'If I hadn't got out, maybe the result could have been different' - Navdeep Saini regrets untimely dismissal in 2nd ODI

After completing a 5-0 clean sweep against New Zealand in the recently-concluded T20I series, India’s performance declined steadily in the 50-over format as they lost the first two games, thus losing the ODI series by 0-2. In the first match, the Men in Blue displayed sheer might with the bat but lost the sheen with the ball as they lost the game by four wickets.

In the second game, they gave absolutely everything by restricting the opposition to 273 but lacked the incisive cutting edge to chase down the target. Ravindra Jadeja and Navdeep Saini showcased batting skills in a losing cause on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland. After a top-order collapse, India pacer Navdeep Saini and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja added a valuable 76-run stand for the eighth wicket.

Saini chipped in with a vital 45 off 49 balls on the back of five fours and two sixes. He belted Kyle Jamieson for a huge six but the latter made a complete mess of the former’s stumps in the next delivery. Indian captain Virat Kohli was even seen asking Saini to stay calm and composed at the crease as soon as he smashed the ball out of the park.

Navdeep Saini regrets on untimely dismissal against New Zealand

After the game, Saini was absolutely livid with himself for throwing away his wicket at the wrong time. Saini lamented his dismissal at a crunch situation which resulted in the team’s series-conceding loss in the second ODI. According to Saini, if he had approached the next ball with caution, the result could have been a different one altogether.

“I will regret when I go back and see the video. If I hadn’t got out, maybe the result could have been different. Will regret that I took it so close and maybe could have gotten closer,” Saini said at the post-match press conference.

“We felt the wicket was flat and if we could stay till the end, the match could go close. So we were trying to contribute as much as possible and take the match to the end. Jadeja had told me that if you get a boundary ball hit it. Otherwise, take singles or doubles, try to keep patience and we can take the game to the end,” Saini added.