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Nehra eager to deliver in first season with CSK
Ashish Nehra is hoping to replicate his domestic form for Chennai Super Kings as they aim to reclaim their title when they begin their IPL campaign against Kings XI Punjab on Friday.
The 34-year-old was bought for two million rupees ($33,000/ Dh121,000) at this year’s auction as the Chennai management felt his presence and domestic experience will come handy in the pace bowling department.
After being overlooked for the national team since their World Cup semi-final triumph against rivals Pakistan in 2011, Nehra has been plying his trade in the domestic game in India.
Since December, Nehra has taken 24 wickets in eight matches (four-dayers and limited overs matches) for Delhi, as well as claiming two scalps in two one-day matches for North Zone in March.
“I have had very good domestic season,” said the left-armer, who practised with his new team-mates at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, yesterday afternoon for the second time since their arrival in the country. “Now I hope to carry on this form in the IPL this year,” he added.
Chennai will be the fourth franchise that Nehra will represent since the competition began in 2008. His previous franchises include defending champions Mumbai Indians (2008), Delhi Daredevils (2009-10 and 2013) and Pune Warriors (2011-12).
While Nehra acknowledges it will be difficult to break into the team, he is relishing being part of the two-time winning franchise. “It’s a great feeling to be here,” said Nehra, who has taken 59 wickets and scored 39 runs in total in the competition.
“Everybody knows what the team has done previously (in this competition). They won the title twice in 2010 and 2011 and reached last year’s final.
“In previous competitions I had been playing against them and they were a tough team. But now it’s great to be part of the team led by (captain) MS Dhoni who has done really well.”
The Chennai players including New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and India’s Suresh Raina practiced in the UAE capital yesterday and Nehra is enjoying his time so far with the franchise.
“We’ve not had that much time together, we’ve been here (in UAE) for just three days. But so far it has been good and getting to know the players and coaching staff.”
It will be the first time Nehra has played in the UAE and is sure the competition will be a big hit.
“UAE is a great destination and Abu Dhabi has a lovely ground (Zayed Cricket Stadium). I’m sure IPL will get a positive response here.”
