The Delhi Premier League (DPL) is back. All of Delhi’s biggest cricketing stars will turn up for the league that saw immense craze in the inaugural season. The likes of Ayush Badoni, Priyansh Arya, and Harshit Rana will stake their claims in the shortest format again. Another star name includes Navdeep Saini, who has over 21 international matches for India to his name. But just like last year, Navdeep Saini has failed to impress.

Navdeep Saini a bit unlucky but ineffective

East Delhi Riders, the defending champions, had Simarjeet Singh in their team in 2024. He ended up being the highest wicket-taker of the season, but due to mega- auction dynamics, they had to let him go. While Simarjeet became the most expensive player at the auction (Rs 39 lac), East Delhi rebuilt their pace attack with Navdeep Saini as the frontline pacer. But it is important to note that Saini was picked at his base price of Rs 10 lac.

The veteran started well in the inaugural match against the South Delhi Superstarz. Taking the new ball, Saini bowled hard lengths and even induced an edge. Unfortunately for him, Mayank Rawat spilled the chance. Regardless, Saini stuck to his lengths. His speed? Well, he touched 143 kmph. Yes, he was one of the few pacers who racked up above 150 but the 32-year-old can stick clock around 145.

In the first two overs inside the powerplay, Saini leaked 8 runs on the wicket that was stopping a bit. But then, Saini gave away in the death overs. Saini, whose T20 economy is 7.64, was found out in the later overs. He continued to dig in short, a length that was easily picked up by set batter Sarthak Ray. Unlike last season, however, Saini mixed it up this time around as he dished out a couple of slower ones as well.

Despite mixing up, Saini leaked 14 runs in each of his last two overs. In total, Saini’s debut for the East Delhi Riders saw him return with average figures of 0/36 in 4 overs. At DPL 2024, Saini didn’t live up to expectations at all as he mustered just two wickets in 5 innings at an economy of 10.43. This time, Saini showed versatility but leaves a lot to be desired. He went unsold at IPL 2025 auction. He would be desperate to show that his experience is still handy in the fast-paced format.