Navdeep Saini chooses between bowling to MS Dhoni in the death overs or Virat Kohli in powerplay [Exclusive]

In an exclusive conversation with CricTracker, Navdeep Saini spoke about his experience of making his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in 2019.

Saini said that he wasn't perturbed playing in front of the Chepauk crowd as he had the legendary duo of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli in his ranks. The right-arm speedster also revealed some of the tips he received from the iconic MS Dhoni. Saini also revealed whether he would like to bowl to Kohli inside the powerplay or Dhoni in the death overs.

• How did it feel to make your debut against the Chennai Super Kings, especially with the crowd cheering for Chennai?

It was good. If we talk about the crowd, it didn't affect me much. When we used to practise in Bangalore in the Chinnaswamy Stadium, it was always full. At that time, the crowd didn't affect me much. Even when I didn't play for RCB in the initial season, the crowd didn't affect me much. When I played in front of Chennai, I didn't feel anything about the crowd. I knew that when there are two talented players in the team - AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli, you don't have to worry about anything. When they ask you to bowl your strength, I did the same thing. The match was also good.

• What’s the best piece of advice you have received from MS Dhoni on the field?

I always remember one thing from him. When I talked to him, he told me this. I talked to him 5-6 times. The first thing I said to him was You should never give up your strength. You have to back it. The second thing is if the graph is going well, it's not like when the match goes well, which was the most important thing for me, it's not like when the match goes well, you will be so happy that you will go here. And if the match doesn't go well, you will go down. You have to be equal. Whether it's going well or not, the process that you follow, the way you do it with discipline, matters the most. Sometimes, when the match doesn't go well, the player's morale goes down. So, the advice he gave me at that time, it was very helpful for me.

• If you had to choose — bowling to MS Dhoni in the death or Virat Kohli in the powerplay, what would you pick?

I will bowl in death overs. I know what Mahi bhai does. I will back my skill, strength. We faced against each other in RCB vs CSK game, I did well against him. I am confident and have self belief.

• What is the atmosphere when MS Dhoni comes out to bat in Chennai?

Whether we are playing or simply watching the match, the atmosphere changes the moment he steps onto the field. The loudest cheers are always reserved for his arrival, and whenever the camera focuses on Mahi bhaiyya, the roar reaches its peak. His aura is unmatched, something no one else can replicate. Speaking of Chennai, the bond with him is truly special. The fans adore him, and his calm, composed leadership makes him even more admired. We too love watching him being cheered on in the stadium.

Saini, who has played two Tests, eight ODIs, and 11 T20Is so far, will look to have a strong domestic season and get back in contention for a spot in the Indian team. His last international appearance came in July 2021.