Reports: Ashish Nehra could make comeback for World Cup

Ashish Neha- Still in with a chance

According to the Times of India, Ashish Nehra seems to have done his chances of getting back into the national team a world of good after performing impressively in the recently-concluded Champions League T20.

Selectors on the look out for experience

India’s current attack does lack a bowler with experience and the team management is on the lookout of someone who has earlier played in mega events. Sources say that the team management were in the need of an experienced hand to guide the younger bowlers, especially in pressure situations.

That was the reason why Ishant Sharma was picked as a replacement for the injured Mohit Sharma.

"The bowling lacks experience. That's why Ishant has been brought back. They are looking out for options," the source said to the Times of India.

"Considering his current form, Nehra, who hasn't played for India since 2011 World Cup, is a good bet for the role of the senior pacer. The only issue is his fitness. It remains to be seen if he can bowl ten overs with the same kind of momentum he did during recent T20 matches."

Nehra working hard

The 35-year old Delhi pacer does have a good chance of being part of the team in the triangular series in Australia early next year if he can stand firm to the toil of the 50-over format. Nehra is skipping the first tournament of the season, the Duleep Trophy but is likely to be part of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy campaign.

"We are taking it for granted that he would be in the squad for Ranji Trophy,” a senior DDCA official said.

Nehra was the centre of attraction at Delhi’s practice session on Wednesday at the Kotla and even a few Indian players had come over for an optional practice session. A fascinating duel between Gautam Gambhir and him was also witnessed in the nets.

There is also a buzz in Delhi’s cricketing circles that Nehra can clock 140 km/hr due to the intense training he is putting in these days.