Saurabh Kumar, Navdeep Saini likely to replace Jadeja and Shami for Bangladesh Tests

Uttar Pradesh’s Saurabh Kumar and Delhi’s Navdeep Saini, both of whom are currently representing India ‘A’ in the unofficial Test series versus Bangladesh ‘A’, are reportedly set to replace Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami for the two-Test series, starting December 14. Jadeja, who is recovering from a knee surgery, and Shami, who sustained a shoulder injury prior to the ODI series, are both unlikely to be fit in time for the crucial two-match series.

The BCCI, therefore, according to multiple sources, are likely to rope in Saurabh and Saini as like-for-like replacements for the pair.

Two domestic veterans, both Saurabh and Saini have enjoyed very good outings in the ongoing unofficial Tests against Bangladesh A. While the left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar is currently the highest wicket-taker in the series, with 10 wickets to his name at an average of 15.30, Saini has taken 4 wickets at an average of 29.25. The two individuals, however, have also chipped-in with the bat, both having a half-century to their name. On the third day of the ongoing unofficial Test, both Saurabh and Saini, in fact, struck half-centuries that helped put India ‘A’ in pole position to seal the series.

While Saurabh Kumar has already previously been part of the senior squad, against Sri Lanka earlier this year, Saini has two Tests to his name. The last of the two Tests for the Delhi seamer came in the historic encounter at the Gabba in January 2021.