If Sachin Tendulkar can play till 40, why can't Ashish Nehra, questions Virender Sehwag

Courtesy: PTI

New Delhi: Former India opener Virender Sehwag has said that he wasn't surprised with veteran fast bowler Ashish Nehra's inclusion in the India squad for the three-match Twenty20 International series against Australia, starting from 7 October in Ranchi.

Nehra's inclusion in the 15-member squad surprised many, mostly because he's now in his late 30s and the next World T20 is three years away.

However, Sehwag said that the 38-year-old Delhi pacer still has it in him to represent the Men in Blue at the highest level.

"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 told India TV.

Sehwag also revealed that Nehra scored almost at par with captain Virat Kohli in the 'yo-yo' endurance test.

"The secret behind Nehra's fitness is, when he's not playing international cricket, he spends almost eight hours in the gym (two sessions of four 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," he said.

"Nehra is a fast bowler and never faces any issues while running. So, he doesn't endure much problems in clearing the ‘yo-yo’ test. Nehra likes to stay fit and spend time in the gym. It is not that he is doing it forcefully. He likes to run, swim and I think he would have easily covered the distance of 20 meters in the ‘yo-yo’ test. He has also an advantage of his height. He is over six feet tall and has a long stride," Sehwag added.

"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 fewer runs, then why not? Sanath Jayasuriya played till 42, Sachin Tendulkar played until the age of 40 then why not Ashish Nehra?"

"We have seen reports that many players, including Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, have not cleared the ‘yo-yo’ test. And probably this is the reason why they are not part of the team. I think Yuvraj and Raina should focus on clearing the 'yo-yo' test because if they pass the test, they will be a part of the team," Sehwag said.

"Fitness is the mantra for every cricketer. If you remain fit, you will be a hit. I don't think there's any unfit player in the current Indian team."