If I don't dream of an India comeback, what's the point of blocking a slot in the Delhi team: Navdeep Saini

Delhi pacer Navdeep Saini, who scalped two wickets on the second day of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 round against Himachal Pradesh in Elite Group D, has opened up on his dream of a Team India comeback.

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Speaking to the reporters after the day’s play, Saini made it clear that he doesn’t want to block a slot in the Delhi Ranji team, and he has the aspirations of making an Indian comeback in the near future with his exceptional performances in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.

"Main jab aaya tha mere paas khone ko kuch nahi tha aur itne saal baad aaj bhi khone ko kuch nahi hai. Main agar India comeback ka sapna na dekhoon mujhe haq nahi Delhi team mein ek jagah rok ke rakhne ki. (I had nothing to lose when I came here in 2013, neither do I have anything to lose now. If I don't dream of an India comeback, what's the point of blocking a slot in the Delhi team)," Saini told reporters after the second day’s play.

Saini, who last played for Team India way back in January 2021, has revealed that his recent shoulder injury has resulted in a drop of his pace, which also eventually led to a loss in his IPL contract. 

"Yes, whether one likes it or not, to play for India, you have to do well in IPL. It is a reality. A year before, I had a shoulder injury and my pace dropped; it cost me an IPL contract," he observed.

When asked if he is looking to earn a spot in the Indian white-ball teams by doing well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy competitions, the pacer made it clear by stating his love for the red-ball game.

"Yes, I can but I love this challenge of bowling in days' games. Mujhe mazaa aata hai. Last match, I didn't get wickets (in Hyderabad) as the wicket was slow. On this track, post tea, it became lively,” he added.

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"Why not? If I have a couple of fifers, I will again be part of the discussions," Saini said when asked if he still believes in the national comeback.

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