Australia tour key to find a place in World T20 squad, keen on mentoring young pacers: Nehra

LEFT-ARMER ASHISH NEHRA will make a comeback to the Indian cricket team after five years for the upcoming T20 series in Australia. The Delhi pacer last played for India in the 2011 World Cup and since then has been constantly ignored by the national selectors. 

That said, Nehra had consistently performed in the IPL for the now defunct Chennai Super Kings under the leadership of MS Dhoni, owning to which the 37-year-old finds himself back in the Indian colors. 

As reported by espncricinfo, Nehra said, 

"I was surprised when they were not picking me for the last 2-3 years to be honest. Better late than never, hopefully I can do well, I am just working hard.” 

Nehra, who has taken 13 wickets from eight T20 internationals also understands the importance of the Australian tour and believes a good performance down under can certainly help him get into the World T20 team. 

"If I go to Australia and play the World T20 (in India in March-April) and deliver, people will say 'Oh he should have been there earlier. If I don't people will say it was right that they didn't pick him!' That's how it works in India. Whatever is gone is gone, I am just looking forward and hopefully everything will go my way.” 

Nehra is also keen on helping the upcoming pacers in the Indian squad and has shown interest in taking up the job of a mentor. 

"This is a short tour, but whatever little I can help the youngsters, I will. If I can play till the World T20, I will definitely look at that job, I have done it for CSK and I really enjoyed it. Most of the bowlers have different strengths, but you can't buy experience.”

"I made my debut 17 years ago. In the sub-continent, somebody like me, who has had so many injuries, undergone 10-12 surgeries, still standing there and playing the fastest format of all, it has taught me something which I can pass on to the youngsters and give my experience."