ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2019

Bhuvneshwar recovering, Saini joins team as 'net bowler'

by TNN and Agencies • Last updated on

"Navdeep Saini has arrived in Manchester. Navdeep is the only net bowler (sic) and he will train with the Indian cricket team." © BCCI

The Indian team may be on a roll in the ongoing World Cup but injury woes seem to be pricking the team management. On Monday, the BCCI released a crisp statement, reading: "Navdeep Saini has arrived in Manchester. Navdeep is the only net bowler (sic) and he will train with the Indian cricket team."

Saini was named as one of the five standbys for the World Cup when the team was announced on April 15. Those not in the standbys list went to England as net bowlers.

The uncapped Saini, a fast bowler who plays Ranji Trophy for Delhi, impressed the team management and the selectors with his performance in this IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore, a team led by India skipper Virat Kohli.

Incidentally, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is still recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered against Pakistan in Manchester on June 16.

After Bhuvneshwar's injury, the Indian team management had claimed his bowling would be assessed in eight days and the team was a quality bowler short in the nets as Khaleel Ahmed had been released on June 16 for India 'A' duty. It is learnt that Bhuvneshwar had complained of discomfort while climbing stairs in Southampton a couple of days back. Team sources claimed Bhuvneshwar should be fine in another week.

Interestingly, both Rishabh Pant and Saini, who were standbys initially, were asked to train at NCA for a week after the team left for England. Pant was later flown in as Shikhar Dhawan's cover on June 14, while Saini resumed training at NCA three days after Bhuvneshwar's injury.

© TNN

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