Ashish Nehra: I don't believe in people who say T20 is a young man's game, says 36-year-old

Nehra has been one of the most prolific bowlers in the last couple of years in IPL, something which probably led to his recall into the Indian team.

New Delhi: Veteran Indian speedster Ashish Nehra, who has been recalled into India's T20 squad for the upcoming series against Australia, disagrees with people claiming that the slam-bang version is just for youngsters.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, the Delhi bowler said, "People say T20 is a young man's game, all those theories I don't believe in. You have to be on top of your game, especially as a bowler and the kind of job I do, bowling 2-3 of the first six overs and one or two in the last four. In the sub-continent or outside also these days, wickets will be flat."

Playing for MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League (IPL), Nehra has been one of the most prolific bowlers of the league in the last couple of years, something which probably led to his recall into the Indian team.

Talking about his experience of playing in IPL, Nehra said, "You have to physically fit and mentally strong, especially as a bowler. It's a fast game but I have been playing IPL, and that's a big boost. The intensity is good as international cricket."

Nehra, who has battled several injuries throughout his career, is eyeing a spot in the team for ICC World T20 scheduled to be played in India in March. The pacer is also keen to nurture the young crop of Indian pacers.

"This is a short tour, but whatever little I can help the youngsters, I will," Nehra told ESPN Cricinfo. "If I can play till the World T20, I will definitely look at that job, I have done it for CSK and I really enjoyed it. Most of the bowlers have different strengths, but you can't buy experience. I made my debut 17 years ago. In the sub-continent, somebody like me, who has had so many injuries, undergone 10-12 surgeries, still standing there and playing the fastest format of all, it has taught me something which I can pass on to the youngsters and give my experience."

Nehra last played an international match for India on March 30, 2011.

India's T20 squad for three-match series vs Australia:

T20I squad: MS Dhoni (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Harbhajan Singh, Umesh Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ashish Nehra