New Delhi: Veteran cricketer Ashish Nehra, who quit the sport Wednesday, has mounted a stinging counter-attack on chief selector MSK Prasad for his comments on the seamer’s retirement and stated that he started playing without the selectors’ permission and is leaving it likewise.
“I heard this,” Nehra said when asked about Prasad’s comments that he was not going to be considered for selection beyond the New Zealand T20Is.
“I don’t know. The chairman of selection committee has not spoken to me about this. You have asked me this question, and I can only tell you about my interaction with the team management,” he told mediapersons.
“When I reached Ranchi, I told Virat (Kohli) about my plan, and his first reaction was, ‘Are you sure? You can still play IPL. You can play as coach-cum-player.’ I said no. I am retiring completely,” added Nehra.
The 38-year-old Nehra made it clear that he did not ask for a farewell game, calling himself lucky that he got one in front of his home crowd.
“I have been saying this (about not asking for a farewell game) again and again. Luckily this game happened to be in Delhi. This is perhaps one way that god has rewarded me for all the hard work I have put in over the last eight-nine years,” he stated
“I hope Virat and coach Ravi Shastri are part of the team management because those are the people I spoke to. I have not spoken to any selector over this issue. When I started playing cricket, I didn’t take any selector’s permission. When I am leaving, I am not leaving with their permission,” Nehra shot back.
Prasad had recently said that there was no assurance on Nehra’s place in the playing XI for the first T20 International at the Feroz Shah Kotla.
“We have clearly communicated to the player, ie: Ashish Nehra, and to the team management that we are only looking at him till the New Zealand series,” Prasad had said.
Nehra said he was convinced about his decision to call it quits after he was happy to see the progress made by Bhuvneshwar Kumar alongside Jasprit Bumrah, two of the best seam bowlers around in Indian conditions. “When I went there, I went with my plan. I felt that Bhuvneshwar Kumar was ready. If you had seen earlier, Bumrah and I have been playing. I felt my time had come to bid adieu,” he explained.
Stars bid farewell to amazing Nehra ji
Mumbai: Celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Sonu Nigam have wished a flourishing life ahead for cricketer Ashish Nehra, who retired from the Indian cricket team and from all forms of the game Wednesday. Here is what they had to say on the social media.
Amitabh Bachchan: Congratulations India T20 win over NZ… The first time, and a fond farewell to the ever-smiling Ashish Nehra.
Anupam Kher: Thank you Nehraji. We will miss you, your smile and your game. We pray that god blesses you with a flourishing life ahead.
Sonu Nigam: India win the 1st T20I against New Zealand by 53 runs, lead three match series by 1-0. Thanks NehraJi.
Riteish Deshmukh: Thank you Ashish Nehra for all the amazing cricketing moments. Wishing you my best for your future endeavours.
Randeep Hooda: See you around, the ever-smiling, ever competitive underdog of a giant, Ashish Nehra.
Vivek Oberoi: Hats off to the great Nehraji and his career, you are truly an inspiration to millions, you will be missed, thank you for your incredible game.
Dia Mirza: All the best Nehraji for the future! Thank you for your love for the game and your contribution to team India.
Bobby Deol: Will miss you Nehraji!
Press Trust of India
