World Cup selection is a reward for my domestic performances: Ashok Dinda

Ashok Dinda

Bengal pacer Ashok Dinda has said that he will not get distracted by his name being included in the 30-man World Cup squad, and would instead look to perform well in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season.

The 30-year-old said that he was happy to be named in the squad but acknowledged that he still has a lot of work to do.

“You can say that I am relieved and satisfied that my performances in domestic cricket has been recognised. Being in the 30-member World Cup probables list is an assurance that I am there in the mix. But the road ahead is very tough and I have to focus on performing in each and every match,” Dinda told PTI from Baroda.

Always look to win games for Bengal: Dinda

He further added that whenever he represents Bengal, he always aims to pick up a five-wicket-haul and that he won't let the World Cup selection affect him.

"When I play for Bengal, the only thing that I keep in mind is to take at least five wickets and help the team win. It won't be any different. World Cup won't be at the back of my mind. If I can perform well, the selectors will definitely reward me for my efforts," Dinda said.

Dinda last represented India in January 2013 in the bilateral series against England, and he admits that he did feel little unhappy when he wasn’t picked to play for India, despite taking 40 scalps in last year’s Ranji Trophy season.

"I did feel a bit sad that I was not even there in India A side but I did not let that affect my performance. In fact, the more I am under pressure, the better I start bowling. Check the record books, you will see, I have been getting bulk of the wickets for Bengal with others chipping in with a wicket or two. But that's what I enjoy.

“Additional pressure only motivates me and makes me more determined to perform," Dinda added.

Recalling a T20 match against England in Mumbai in late 2012, he said that he gave it his best but, unfortunately, wasn’t on the winning side that day.

“No one wants to lose a match. There were 9 runs required in the final over. I gave it my all, but Morgan played better cricket during that particular over. I knew that I had tried my best but things just didn't work out," the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) speedster said.

Spell in the Deodhar Trophy final was one of my best: Dinda

He helped East Zone lift the Deodhar Trophy on Wednesday, by bowling a spell of 4 for 33 in 9 overs and he regards that to be one of his best ones until now.

"The length that I hit, the pace that I generated and the movement that I was able to extract were perfect in terms of limited overs game. My coach Atal Deb Barman also told me that if I can consistently produce this kind of performance, then I would definitely do well at the next level," Dinda said.

Dinda is also not worried about those calling him one-dimensional and feels that he has improved as the years have gone by.

"I have played 20-odd international games for India (22 to be precise which includes 13 ODIs and 9 T20 Internationals) and played in all seven editions of IPL.

"Obviously, it's with experience that you develop variations. If you closely look at my bowling, I can bowl the wide yorkers or the slow bouncers, which are effective in limited overs format," he concluded.