Rajasthan middle-order batsman Ashok Menaria said he is eager to make a mark for his franchise, Rajasthan Royals during the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League, commencing in Chennai on April 4, and push his case for the national team.
Published: Apr 02, 2012, 10:38 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 02, 2012, 10:38 PM (IST)
Ashok Menaria said he did not rue missing out on a few matches in the domestic season © Getty Images
Jaipur, Apr 2, 2012
Rajasthan middle-order batsman Ashok Menaria said he is eager to make a mark for his franchise, Rajasthan Royals during the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League, commencing in Chennai on April 4, and push his case for the national team.
“IPL provides a big platform to all the players and I too wish to perform well this season and get a ticket to the Indian cricket team,” said Menaria.
“I’m not aiming for the slot in the Indian team for the upcoming World T20 (in Sri Lanka) but my dream, like all other young cricketers, is to play for the country,” he added.
Menaria, a former India Under-19 skipper, had scored a double hundred against Railways in the Ranji Trophy before he was forced to sit out of the tournament in the later half of the season due to a groin injury.
The left-hander, however, said that he did not rue missing out on a few matches in the domestic season.
“It was unfortunate that I was forced out due to my groin strain and had to undergo an operation in Germany in February. But I’m 100 per cent fit now and raring to go. Though missing out on matches when I was in good form was unfortunate, I don’t feel it was bad luck. In fact, it taught me how to cope with the bad times,” he said.
When asked if his double hundred against Railways on a difficult track during the Ranji Trophy had established him as a seasoned batsman and whether he would be eager to build on that image, the 21-year-old said that he preferred to play his natural game.
“I like to bat in an aggressive manner. My double hundred also had come in 200 balls. Whatever is the format, I bat in my natural style.
“Even my (Rajasthan Royals) skipper Rahul Dravid has told me to play my natural game,” said Menaria, who idolises Virendra Sehwag. (PTI)
