Virat Kohli with KKR Team. Image Credits: AFP/X
The KKR camp has been hit by atrocities more than ever now. With almost a major chunk of pace options being ruled out due to injury concerns and awaiting fitness clearance, a new development with Virat Kohli’s close friend Navdeep Saini is likely under discussion.
Navdeep Saini last bowled in the IPL in 2023 and has not been the apple of the eye for franchises on auction tables. However, given his vast experience in the Indian bowling lineup, sharing his days with Virat Kohli, the 33-year-old might be eyeing an opportunity for KKR.
Who is Navdeep Saini? The Forgotten India Bowler
Saini, the right-arm fast bowler, is primarily known for his raw pace, where he can clock speeds over 145–150 kmph. The Haryana-born cricketer rose from playing local tennis-ball cricket tournaments to representing India in all three formats, although in limited numbers.
Saini moved to Delhi in 2012 and was spotted by then India opener Gautam Gambhir, who was impressed by his pace in the nets. He made his first-class debut for Delhi in December 2013, with a breakout season coming in 2017–18, where he was Delhi's leading wicket-taker with 34 wickets.
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Saini’s Fruitful IPL Days
In the IPL, he was first signed by the Delhi Daredevils in 2017 for INR 10 lakh but did not get a game. With RCB, however, where he met Virat Kohli, whom he credits as a mentor, guide, and close friend, he made his debut in 2019 and finished as their second-highest wicket-taker that season, giving him a breakthrough.
Later, he was picked by the Rajasthan Royals in 2022, who retained him until 2024. However, Saini was released and went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. Now, KKR has been plotting to sign him as a replacement for injured bowler Akash Deep.
KKR Secretly Signed Navdeep Saini as Akash Deep Replacement?
The legitimacy of this signing has been hinted at, as Kolkata Knight Riders, on their official social media handle, posted a video on March 22 where the cricketers were singing and dancing to celebrate the unison of all the players in the Kolkata camp.
In that video, Saini was seen dancing and singing along on the sidelines, although he was trying to avoid the camera. Ramandeep Singh and Umran Malik were vibing to the song and dance, while Manish Pandey joined in as well.
Watch the video here:
Although Saini was not in the front lines, his presence in the squad indicates that he might be joining the ranks, with only the official notification yet to be released by KKR.
The Close Friend Of Virat Kohli
This might call for trouble for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp since Navdeep Saini shares a close professional and mentor-protégé relationship with Kohli, primarily because of the bond they built during their time together at RCB and in the Indian national team.
Sharing the Delhi cricketing circuit and a common heritage from Punjab, Saini, who has also stated that Virat Kohli gives a family-like feeling, credited the India cricketer for playing a big role in his career.
With Saini moving on since his RCB days, this might put RCB's chances in jeopardy if Saini is signed as the official replacement by KKR for Akash Deep anytime soon.
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