Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who is known to be active on social media and loves to post witty tweets on Twitter, recently said that he was not surprised with veteran fast bowler Ashish Nehra’s inclusion in the India squad for the three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Australia which is set to start from October 7. Sehwag also praised his Delhi mate for being fit and revealed that Nehra scored almost at par with captain Virat Kohli in the ‘Yo-Yo’ endurance test.
‘Yo-Yo’ endurance test is an advanced version of the ‘beep’ test and is used to evaluate an individual’s aerobic endurance fitness. The Indian team regularly undergoes a series of fitness tests with ‘Yo-Yo’ endurance test being the most important of them. The current Indian team is considered to be the fittest as compared to former squads.
Nehra’s inclusion in the 15-member squad surprised many, mostly because he is on the wrong end of his 30s and the next World T20 is a good three years away. Sehwag, however, expressed confidence that the 38-year-old Delhi pacer still had it in him to represent the Team India at the highest level.
Sehwag told India TV on Wednesday,
I was not at all surprised with Nehra’s selection in the T20I team against Australia. I am very happy that he is a part of the team and I want him to play more matches in future.
He added,
The secret behind Nehra’s fitness is when is not playing international cricket, he spends almost 8 hours in the gym (two sessions of 4 hours each). And if today he is a part of the T20 team, it is because he has passed the ‘yo-yo’ test. He scored almost 17-18 in the yo-yo test, touching Virat Kohli’s score.
On being asked if Nehra had a chance to represent India at the next T20 world cup in 2020, Sehwag said
I don’t think age should be the criteria to play in the world cup. If Nehra is fit, picking up wickets and giving away less runs, then why not? Sanath Jayasuriya played till 42, Sachin Tendulkar played till the age of 40 then why not Ashish Nehra?
Meanwhile, after defeating Australians by 4-1 to lift the One Day series trophy, Virat Kohli and Co will now face the Steve Smith-led side in the 3-match T20I series. The first match of the series will be played at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. The match will start at 7 PM IST.
