The 26-year-old lad Navdeep Saini who made it to the Indian T20I squad in the recently concluded West Indies series was also picked for the home series against South Africa. Saini impressed everyone as he picked 3-17 and also got to a hat-trick ball after dismissing Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer on consecutive deliveries on his debut.

A lot of fans and cricket pundits were impressed with the right-arm pacer and former India pacer Zaheer Khan was one of them. Khan believes that Saini could adapt well in the Test format as well and wants him to join the pace duo of Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah.

“The longer format, that's the format that suits Saini. Saini has got the pace and consistency in length,” Zaheer told Mumbai Mirror.

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Meanwhile the 40-year-old also praised Jasprit Bumrah who has lately gained the reputation of being the best fast bowler in the world. Bumrah was the highest wicket-taker of the series in West Indies with 13 scalps to his name at an average of 9.23, which also included a hat-trick.

While talking about Bumrah, Zaheer said, “I have always said that if he had that outswinger for the right-handers, he will be a nightmare for the batting sides. I am glad that it has happened now.”

The 25-year-old who was really good against West Indies has been ruled out of the upcoming home Test series against Proteas due to a minor lower back stress fracture and will be replaced by Umesh Yadav in the squad.

While talking about Bumrah’s fitness, the former left-arm pacer said, “He needs to work on his fitness and keep doing the things that have brought him this far. With experience he will keep getting better and better.”

(With Mumbai Mirror inputs)