Failure in clearing the yo-yo test at National Cricket Academy saw Mohammed Shami being dropped from the Indian team gearing up for one-off Test against Afghanistan paving way for Navdeep Saini. The right-handed fast bowler who hails from Karnal, Haryana, has played for Delhi all throughout his career. His selection in Delhi team was full of controversies but he had the backing of Gautam Gambhir, the then captain of Delhi.

Gambhir was such a powerful force in DDCA a few years back that he got the pacer drafted in the Delhi side, despite him not playing any competitive cricket in Delhi. Captain was backed by seniors Sumit Narwal, Mithun Manhas and few others who helped Saini get into the team.

Though, the selection committee headed by Chetan Chauhan objected to his selection. Reports had also suggested that they even distributed pamphlets protesting Saini’s selection, who was called an outsider at that time.

Gambhir finally got his way and Saini played for Delhi against Vidarbha at Roshanara Club in 2013/14 season. Within three years, he made it India A side. He became a regular member of the second string team and came close to national selection when he was called to nets in South Africa.

Now when Saini has made it to the Indian squad, it was the time for Gambhir to take a dig at former DDCA committee members which had stopped Saini from being drafted to the state team. He took on former India legend Bishan Singh Bedi and opener Chetan Chauhan and sent out a scathing tweet against the duo.

My ‘condolences’ to few DDCA members, @BishanBedi @ChetanChauhanCr on selection of ‘outsider’ Navdeep Saini to India squad. Am told black armbands are available in Bangalore too for INR 225 per roll!!! Sir, just remember Navdeep is an Indian first then comes his domicile @BCCI

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 12, 2018

"My ‘condolences’ to few DDCA members, @BishanBedi @ChetanChauhanCr on the selection of ‘outsider’ Navdeep Saini to India squad. Am told black armbands are available in Bangalore too for INR 225 per roll!!! Sir, just remember Navdeep is an Indian first then comes his domicile @BCCI," Gambhir tweeted. 

Saini, who had a brilliant last Ranji Trophy season, had credited Gambhir for his success and after his selection, he praised Gambhir. "I remember every tiny little thing. I know what Gautam bhaiya had to go through to convince selectors that I was good enough to play for Delhi. Not to forget Ashish Nehra, Mithun Manhas, Sumit Narwal, who all stood by me. In fact, after first few matches, he (Gambhir) said that if I keep working hard at every practice session, I will play for India. He saw in me before I realised myself. Today when I look back about those days, I smile," said Saini.

For Navdeep, the next few days will see him taking a giant step in his life. He might get an edge over Shardul Thakur for a place in the playing XI for the Test which starts on June 14.