MSK Prasad justifies Nehra's inclusion in India's T20 squad

M.S.K. Prasad, the chairman of the national selection committee, justified the inclusion of the of 37-year-old Delhi mediumpacer Ashish Nehra in the Indian T20 team and a warm-up game against the visiting English men as the selectors felt he is a great mover of the ball.

The national selector said Nehra has to prove himself in the forthcoming international fixtures along with domestic tournaments like Vijaya Hazare and Mustag Ali Trophies, to stay in the reckoning for the Champions Trophy.

The chairman of the National selection committee M.S.K. Prasad, on Sunday, justified the inclusion of 37-year-old Delhi mediumpacer Ashish Nehra in the Indian T20 team and a warm-up game against the visiting English men as the panel felt he (Nehra) is a great mover of the ball.

Speaking to Sportstar from the sidelines of the Amravati Marathon here, he said that the committee was actually grooming Punjab’s up-and-coming 24-year-old Barinder Sran for the left-arm medium-pace slot. “Unfortunately he (Sran) suffered a stress fracture during his India-A’s tour Down Under and he is yet to recover.

“Already six months have passed and Sran is still not fit. Nehra has proved to be productive in English conditions where the Champions Trophy will be held in June.”

He said Nehra has to prove himself in the forthcoming international fixtures along with domestic tournaments like Vijaya Hazare and Mustag Ali Trophies, to stay in the reckoning.

He said all the records, both domestic and international, were assessed before taking the decision. “On several occasions, he has proved to be the right choice for bowling at the death,” Prasad added.

He rated Gujarat opener Priyank Panchal high and felt that he had the wherewithal to make it to the national team. “All these talented youngsters will be provided a platform in the India-A squad so that they can stake claim for the senior team,” he signed off.