I have never said a negative thing about Navdeep Saini, clarifies Bishan Singh Bedi
Bishan Singh Bedi has clarified that he had never said a negative thing about Navdeep Saini, after being accused of the same by Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir had launched a scathing attack at Bedi and Chetan Chauhan on Twitter after Saini made his international debut against West Indies.
Gambhir and Bedi have had their differences since the dawn of time. But the 2011 World Cup hero didn’t take too well to Bedi allegedly questioning Saini’s sudden transition to first-class cricket in 2013. However, Bedi would not take the bait to start a social media quarrel over the matter.Â
"I don't believe that I have to stoop to conquer. I would rather not react to any comments on Twitter. I have never said a negative thing about Navdeep Saini. Also, I believe if someone has made it, it's his credit not any Tom, Dick or Harry's," Bedi told PTI, reported TOI.
Till 2013, Navdeep Saini had not played a lot of cricket with the leather ball. He used to play with tennis balls in his hometown and he would often earn Rs 200 per match. Few people know that it was Gambhir who spotted the youngsters talent during a 15-minute net session. Bedi had expressed his displeasure on the pacer's selection by allegedly writing a letter to then DDCA president Sneh Bansal.
The 26-year-old made his international debut in the first of three T20Is against West Indies. He went on to pick up three for 17 from his four overs, restricting the Windies to a paltry total of 95, to win the man-of-the-match award. Upon confirmation that Saini was included in the playing XI, Gambhir had lashed out, via Twitter, against Bedi and Chauhan, the DDCA chief selector.
"Kudos Navdeep Saini on ur India debut. U already have 2 wkts even before u have bowled-@BishanBedi & @ChetanChauhanCr. Their middle stumps are gone seeing debut of a player whose cricketing obituary they wrote even before he stepped on the field, shame!!!," Gambhir tweeted.
Bedi denied having made any remarks of the sort that he was alleged of and praised the debutant’s performance.Â
"Who am I? I wasn't in any position of DDCA. I see that he (Gambhir) hasn't sobered even after becoming a Member of Parliament. The kid is outstanding. But I have only seen him on TV. Also he has just played one game for India. We should wait for some more time," Bedi said.Â
Chauhan also responded to Gambhir's tweet to clarify his stand, saying: "Rule approved by Delhi Cricket Association was 1 year cooling period for players from other states. There was no question of talent n ability in his case. Don’t try n belittle others n glorify self."