My injury-prone reputation unfair, says CSK's Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra, who hasn’t played for India since the 2011 ICC World Cup semi-final against Pakistan, revived memories of his best years with an outstanding spell of 4-0-21-4 which unfortunately wasn’t enough to take his franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) over the line against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening encounter of the ongoing CLT20.

Nehra, who made his debut for India way back in 1999, was considered to be having all the attributes for a fast bowler when he made his entry into international cricket, but his injury-prone career has unfortunately curtailed him to just 17 Tests and 120 ODIs.

Nehra feels that he has been treated harshly by the Indian selectors and said that his unjust reputation of getting injured frequently is the reason for being overlooked in the last couple of years.

"I have had a history with injuries throughout my career and I am not denying that. But in India, once you get a reputation for something, it is hard to get out of it. Last season I played all the domestic matches and was very much fit throughout," Nehra told CLT20.com.

"Unfortunately, I got a side strain during the IPL and everyone went overboard about my fitness again. I do get injured like many other players do. But my injuries are always highlighted. I cannot do anything about it except working hard and fighting back."

Despite now being 35 and having an unfortunate history with injures, the Delhi left-armer is not willing to give up playing the game just yet and is keen to continue fighting for a place in the Indian team.

"I just try and give it my all. I have good physios and doctors around me to help me out and I put my best into it as well. I don't care what people say about me.

"I love playing this game and irrespective of my age, I want to continue playing cricket - for India, for CSK and for Delhi. And I will continue to work hard for that," Nehra concluded.