Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra. Image Credits: Twitter

Indian selectors left everyone surprised when they recalled the veteran pace-bowler, Ashish Nehra for the three T20Is against Australia scheduled to begin on 7th October in Ranchi.

Along with Nehra, Dinesh Karthik, and Shikhar Dhawan are also recalled to the team for the upcoming series. Making a comeback at the age of 38 is in itself a big achievement but the Delhi-speedster is not bothered about what the critics has to say about his return to the international circuit.

Nehra was about to make a huge return to the fifty overs format for the Champions Trophy before an injury during the Indian Premier League ended his dream. Speaking on his comeback Nehra said,

“Who isn’t happy if he is playing for India? I have never been bothered by criticism. The Indian dressing room knows what I bring to the table. The skipper knows it, the selectors know it. If I am in the team, definitely, I must be contributing something.”

When the left-hander was asked about his future targets he came up with an amazing reply. Answering question about his goals, Nehra replied,

“At my age, you don’t set long term goals. I have been selected to play three games for India. I will take one game at a time. Waise bhi Ashish Nehra accha karega toh bhi news hai, accha nahi karega toh woh aur bhi badi news hain (If I do well, that’s news, if I don’t do well, that’s even bigger news).”

The 38-year also said he was in touch with the Indian captain and Cheif Selector MSK Prasad during his time outside the team. Nehra, who during a press interaction revealed that he did not use any smartphone, and that someone gifted him one and he learnt how to use Whatsapp on it, also said he is unaware of what people on social media are saying about his return.

“I don’t even know what people say about me on Twitter. Now people may have a notion that since I am not visible on social media and now that I am in the team, where was I during the period. Well, I was religiously following my training schedule, working on my fitness, doing my bowling routines. Things you actually do to make a comeback,” the answer said it all.

“Oh yes, people didn’t know where I was but skipper Virat Kohli and chairman of selectors MSK Prasad were well aware what I was doing,” added the Delhi fast bowler.