Navdeep Saini became the latest promoter of the ‘time-wasting’ techniques that players often pull off during cricket matches to disrupt, delay or distract the proceedings to gain an advantage over the opposition’s momentum. During the Delhi vs Tamil Nadu Ranji match at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, pacer Navdeep Saini resorted to theatrical tactics in a bid to delay the play and secure a draw for the team against dominant Tamil Nadu on Day 4 of the match.


After conceding 674 in the first innings and then getting bowled out for just 266 runs, Delhi were forced to follow on by Tamil Nadu. However, Tamil Nadu continued their dominance and had Delhi reeling 180-8, with speedster Navdeep Saini and Himanshu Chauhan on the crease.


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Navdeep Saini Lies On Ground After Giving A Thumbs-Up


As Delhi sought a draw, a hilarious moment unfolded on the final day of the Ranji fixture when Saini was hit by a ball on his helmet. Trying to duck away a bouncer, Saini was hit by the ball and as the fielders behind Saini showed concern for him, he took no time to give a thumbs-up signal towards the bowler, suggesting he is alright.


However, only a few moments later, he stepped away from the crease and laid on the ground suggesting that he was in pain. The video of the same has gone viral on social media with fans finding it funny with some social media users comparing Saini’s tactics to that of India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant that he pulled of during the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados.


Watch the viral video of Navdeep Saini:






Netizens Compare Saini's Tactics With Rishabh Pant's World Cup Final Ploy


Notably, Pant pulled off a similar act during the T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa when he faked a knee injury to pause the momentum of the game where the opposition was looking in total control of the match that was eventually won by India. After the events, Pant himself admitted that he was ‘acting’ so that he could bring the game to a halt, a tactic that seemed to have worked for India as they staged a remarkable comeback to win the T20 World Cup 2024.






Navdeep Saini batted out time valiantly as he faced 64 balls for his 15-run knock as he helped his team cling onto a draw.