Delhi pacer Navdeep Saini is all set to replace Mohammed Shami in a one-off test match against Afghanistan. This decision was made after the latter failed the Yo-Yo Test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
This is a mandatory test meant to measure the fitness of a player and determine whether he is fit enough to play or not. The current standard is 16.1 for the India senior team and A team. Karun Nair and Hardik Pandya were the two best performers in the Yo-Yo Test with scores of above 18.
The 27-year-old Shami has represented India in 30 Tests and bagged 110 wickets but is lately struggling with his form and his personal life.
"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Navdeep Saini as Mohammed Shami's replacement in the Indian Test team for the upcoming Paytm Test against Afghanistan. The announcement came after Mohd. Shami failed to clear the fitness test at NCA, Bengaluru," the BCCI release stated.
25-year-old Saini has impressive domestic cricket records. He has played 31 first-class games and has 96 wickets to claim. Officials hope that he will continue his performance like he did for two seasons of Ranji Trophy.