The experienced campaigner in the form of fast bowler Ashish Nehra for India, somehow hinted that he is lucky to be the part of the shortest version of the game at this stage for his national side after being hobbled by injury during his 18-year-old international career so far.
“I don’t think too many people thought I would be playing for 19 years. Already, I have managed to stretch myself so far, you never know, let’s see,” Nehra told ESPNcricinfo.
The exciting Delhi-born left-arm fast bowler Nehra has further gone through a lean patch and eventually rose to the occasion while giving his hundred percent with the ball owing to his accuracy and pace.
Last week, the selection committee for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) inducted the 38-year-old wily customer Nehra in the 15-member squad for three-match Twenty20 international series kicking off on Saturday (October 7) in Ranchi.
After being recalled to the national fold, Nehra previously featured in the T20 fixture against England earlier this year, as he admitted the fact by saying the body has not coped well which further let him down most of the times in the gentleman’s game.
“My debut was in 1999, so it will be 19 years soon,” Nehra added.
Nehra, who is relying on his quality performance has further reiterated that he would continue playing cricket for the best of the national side until and unless he won’t feel it’s all over for him.
“Like I said earlier, if it was in my hands I would never stop playing cricket but that is not going to happen,” Nehra maintained.
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Following the moderates success in the Test and ODI format, Nehra has further proved himself as the vital cog in the bowling department for bolstering the pace arsenal.
Nehra revealed he is not happy with the body which has undergone multiple surgeries during his international career.
”My body has let me down, that’s why I am so upset with my body at times. I am a firm believer that if my body is okay I can still play and deliver. That’s why I am always aware of my body,” Nehra asserted.
Interestingly, Nehra himself revealed that he has been under the knife for over 12 times which was followed by long lay-offs.
“When you are young you don’t understand these things, you don’t understand the value of playing for India,” Nehra further added.
Straightforward in his response, Nehra revealed he does not know how long he will go on to represent the national side but believes it’s desperate for a player, who is already 38.
However, while having the prime focus on his fitness, he wants to come good while giving his hundred percent.
“I can play for another couple of years but it isn’t easy for a fast bowler at 38-39, especially considering the state of my body,” Nehra concluded.
Earlier, Nehra was ruled during the tenth edition of widely acclaimed Indian Premier League (IPL) after nursing the hamstring injury, as he is looking forward to bowl pain-free after facing the daunting challenges owing to the national allegiance.