Navdeep Saini Dramatically Falls After A Blow On Helmet In A False Act To Deny Tamil Nadu A Win

Akshita Patel∙ Updated: Oct 21 2024, 10:00 PM | timer 2 Min Read

Navdeep Saini accused of faking injury in Ranji Trophy (@SriniMaama16/X.com)Navdeep Saini accused of faking injury in Ranji Trophy (@SriniMaama16/X.com)

Navdeep Saini's unusual antics became the highlight of the match in a Ranji Trophy 2024-25 fixture between Delhi and Tamil Nadu held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. While playing a crucial defensive role in Delhi's second innings, the fast bowler was seen faking an injury in a viral video, which sparked considerable buzz on social media.

Tamil Nadu had been dominating the contest as they bowled out Delhi for 266 after declaring 674/6 in the first inning. While Sai Sudharsan slammed a double hundred, Washington Sundar got 152 off 269 balls. 

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Tamil Nadu skipper Jagadeesan naturally opted to enforce a follow-on with the pitch deteriorating. Meanwhile, Delhi's struggles in home conditions only advanced as they were reduced to 161/6 before tail-ender Navdeep Saini walked into bat. 

Navdeep Saini fakes injury to save Delhi from shambolic loss

Facing a short-pitched delivery, Navdeep Saini ducked to avoid the ball, which hit his helmet and rebounded into the wicketkeeper's gloves. He signalled a thumbs up to the bowler, indicating that the blow was harmless.

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However, in a surprising and somewhat comical reaction, the 31-year-old speedster stepped out of his batting crease, put his hand on the head and lay down on the ground as if he had been seriously injured. Navdeep Saini summoned the physio from the dugout, leading to a halt in play. That stoppage-time cost Tamil Nadu a deserving win as they fell short of two wickets and had to settle for a draw.

Meanwhile, fans from Tamil Nadu were displeased with the incident and called out Saini's theatrics on the internet. Some also alleged bias towards the state as the BCCI has often ignored such tactics.