Pawan Negi says he expected India call-up for World T20

New Delhi : Young all-rounder Pawan Negi, who has been named in the 15-man Indian squad for the World T20 and Asia Cup, has said that he was expecting the call after being selected for the Sri Lanka series, which starts on Tuesday.

“I was hopeful of being selected for the World T20 after being named in the squad for Sri Lanka series. If I get a chance to play in the tournament, my motive will be to make contribution with both bat and ball,” said a visibly elated Negi told ANI.

The 23-year-old, who bowls quick left-arm spin and also plays as a hard-hitting batsman, also believes that he won’t be feeling extra pressure on his international debut as he had already played under captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings.

“I have played under Dhoni for two years and he knows me as a cricketer and, therefore, I don’t think I will feel that much pressure in the team.

“There is no dearth of talent in Delhi. Most of the players from Delhi have earned big names in international arena and I also intend to give my best for India,” Delhi-based Negi added.

Negi earned his call-up to the national squad on the back of his impressive run in the limited overs leg of India’s domestic season. He had scored 173 runs and claimed six wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in addition to a combo of 170 runs and nine wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. (ANI)