Navdeep Saini Praises Gill’s Captaincy As India Return in Lankan Territory After A Decade

On the eve of India’s Independence Day, as the Test campaign for the men in blue is about to begin in Sri Lanka, the spotlight is not only on results but also on the growing injury list surrounding the red-ball squad. With the first of the two Tests scheduled in Galle on August 15, India head into the series looking to steady a format that has recently tested their depth and consistency.

The transition under Gautam Gambhir has produced notable success in white-ball cricket, but the Test side has had a more difficult run. Home-series defeats against New Zealand and South Africa have affected India’s World Test Championship campaign, while limited red-ball cricket this year has offered little opportunity to regain momentum.

The situation has been further complicated by injuries to several players who would ordinarily be in contention for the Test XI. Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are among those dealing with fitness concerns.

With India navigating that uncertainty, myKhel spoke to pacer Navdeep Saini on the sidelines of the Delhi Premier League, where he is leading the pace attack of the Outer Delhi Warriors, about the Sri Lanka challenge, India’s bowling depth and the leadership of Shubman Gill.

Navdeep Saini: Injuries Are Part of Fast Bowling

Saini does not believe India should be overly worried by the injury concerns surrounding the pace department. For him, the physical demands of fast bowling naturally bring a degree of risk, particularly when bowlers are pushing themselves hard.

He acknowledged that injuries to fast bowlers are difficult to avoid completely. The workload, intensity and repetitive nature of the discipline can all take a toll, making minor niggles almost inevitable.

“As you asked about the fast bowler’s injury, I don’t think anything can be done about it. Even I know that a fast bowler doesn’t want his players to get injured. And I know that if a fast bowler is making an effort, then there is always a little niggle. I don’t think it is a major concern,” he added.

For India, however, the bigger question is how quickly the bowling unit can settle in the absence of some established names.

Changes Take Time To Blossom

Saini believes the current changes in India’s bowling attack should be viewed as part of the natural evolution of a team rather than an immediate warning sign.

According to him, familiarity is one of the biggest strengths a bowling unit can develop. When the same group plays together regularly, bowlers begin to understand each other’s strengths, patterns and roles almost instinctively.

“When you play with one particular batch for a long time, then everything settles. You know which player is doing what and a proper team is formed,” Saini explained.
That understanding takes time to build when personnel change. India are now in a phase where newer faces are being asked to step up, and Saini believes their performances deserve attention rather than being overshadowed by the absences.

“Whenever you make changes in it, then it takes a little time,” he said. Saini also urged people not to judge the bowling attack solely through a negative lens. India’s recent setbacks may have exposed weaknesses, but they have also created opportunities for younger players to establish themselves.

“If you see negative, then you will see negative. If you see positive, then you will see how we have won so many series,” he said, stressing the importance of recognising the new players who have already performed.

Navdeep Saini Backs Shubman Gill’s Captaincy

The Sri Lanka series will also provide another test for Shubman Gill’s leadership as India’s Test captain. Saini remains positive about the young batter’s transition into the role.

“First of all, if I see as a player, then Shubman Gill is a very good captain,” Saini said.
Gill’s leadership will inevitably be judged alongside India’s results, but Saini believes the early signs have been encouraging. For a team going through a period of transition, consistency and trust could be just as important as immediate results.

With injuries forcing India to look deeper into their resources, the Sri Lanka series presents an opportunity for the next generation of players to make their presence felt. For Saini, the answer may lie not in dwelling on who is missing, but in backing those who are available to step forward.