Veteran fast bowler in Indian circle, Ashish Nehra, who played his last Test against arch-rivals Pakistan at Rawalpindi in 2004, before facing the same opposition in his final One-day International in 2011, is further expected to play his final fixture of his 18-odd year-long career against New Zealand at home soon after confirming his retirement plans on October 11.
Nehra with his nonchalant approach termed his cricketing journey enriching and exciting.
“It’s been a great journey,” Nehra was quoted as saying by PTI when he was at his academy.
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Making a startling revelation, Nehra also revealed Shastri used to compliment him by being as good as legendary batsman Brain Charles Lara which according to him is the major fascination from a coach like Shastri, who wants to instil confidence among his wards be it with the bowl or a bat.
“Ravi [Shastri] would make him believe that he is as good as Brain Lara! Now that might sound ludicrous to an outsider but those who understand cricket know that this is man-management,” Nehra disclosed.
While adding if there’s a wish to fulfil he would have had changed the scene of 2003 World Cup when he was the part of Sourav Ganguly-led Team India which the then saw Australia convincingly winning the coveted title by 125 runs.
“Maybe one regret. If I could change anything in these 20 years, that afternoon in Johannesburg during the 2003 World Cup final. But nothing else as it’s all about destiny,” Nehra added.
The 38-year-old Nehra will mark an end to his international cricket with the Twenty20 international at Feroz Shah Kotla on November 1st.
“Sports is nothing but moments,” Nehra further added.
Nehra’s best figures in the ODI format came against England when he bagged six wickets while conceding just 23 runs in his quota of 10 overs which strangulated the Three Lions on 168 in Durban.
Nehra stood tall for India that night during 2003 World Cup fixture which handed an easy 82-run win to Men in Blue.
“People remember that night. I would like them to remember me as an honest trier,” Nehra asserted.
Straightforward in his approach, Nehra, as a bowler yielding desired results which were followed by occasional failures, however, undergoing 12 times under knife, which thereon, made it altogether a different case for the injury-stricken bowler throughout his career which has witnessed highs and lows.
“A person, who didn’t learn and play but played and learnt,” Nehra remarked.
As Team India head coach Ravi Shastri is enjoying merry-time with Virat Kohli and Co following another series win at home, Nehra revealed he has had been supportive through the thick and thin.
“You know the best part about Ravi. If a player is going through a rough patch, he is the man. Even if the player is not able to the middle a single ball in the nets,” Nehra concluded.
Nehra, who has been vocal about focusing on fitness, adds one has to be agile and always ready to set the goals owing to the hard work which according to him paves the way for multiple opportunities in the national fold.
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To mark the conclusion, Nehra restrained from talking about Anil Kumble’s role but reflected the coach is bound to understand a skipper who would be more of 28-year-old while referring to Kohli.