Navdeep Saini fakes injury to secure draw for Delhi, dramatically collapses after assuring he’s fit

In a thrilling finish to the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match, Delhi’s Navdeep Saini faked an injury to help secure a draw against Tamil Nadu, who fell just two wickets short of victory at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

New Delhi: The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy clash between Delhi and Tamil Nadu at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium concluded in a thrilling finish, with the home side narrowly escaping defeat on the final day. Narayan Jagadeesan’s Tamil Nadu team came close but fell just two wickets short of securing an outright win.

Delhi pacer Navdeep Saini took center stage with a crucial batting effort to secure a draw for his team. Saini remained unbeaten, scoring 15 runs off 64 balls in the fading light, showcasing resilience at the crease. However, it was his remarkable display of gamesmanship that truly caught the attention of cricket fans.

A Tamil Nadu bowler delivered a bouncer to Saini that appeared to have merely brushed his helmet without causing any damage. The 31-year-old initially signaled to his batting partner that he was fine and prepared to continue. However, moments later, he dramatically collapsed to the ground. Replays indicated the ball had passed him without contact, leaving no doubt that the Delhi star was faking an injury to waste time and secure a draw for his team.

Best actor of cricket goes to Navdeep saini in #DELvsTN #RanjiTrophy2024 #ranjitrophy pic.twitter.com/sRLb2WfMnx

— Anything Good (@Praveen11851683) October 21, 2024

Shortly after the incident, the umpires called for bad light, ending the match and allowing Delhi to earn one point while Tamil Nadu secured three points for their first-innings lead. The visitors were poised for an innings victory, which would have netted them seven points. For those unfamiliar, an outright win earns a team six points, while an innings win or a 10-wicket victory grants an additional point.

In the match, Tamil Nadu posted a formidable total of 674 in their first innings, featuring a double century from Sai Sudharsan and centuries from Washington Sundar and Ranjan Paul. In response, Delhi was bowled out for 266, with Yash Dhull contributing a century. By stumps on Day 4, the hosts found themselves in a precarious position at 193/8.