Ashish Nehra credits CSK captain MS Dhoni for motivating him to play in 2011 World Cup

Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra was part of MS Dhoni battalion that lifted 2011 World Cup in front of ir home crowd. Apparently, cricketer was contemplating retirement from sport ahead of 2011 quadrennial event because he felt he was t at his fittest, being very prone to injuries. Ashish Nehra’s 18-year international journey (1999-2017) with Indian cricket was marred with injuries and some unwanted breaks, as he represented his national side in only 17 Tests, 120 ODIs and 27 T20Is.

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“MS Dhoni told me to hang in re for ar two-three weeks” – Ashish Nehra

While speaking on Wisden’s Greatest Rivalry Podcast, Ashish Nehra revealed that MS Dhoni helped him to “hang in re” right before 2011 World Cup in India. Nehra added that n Indian captain told him to stay with physio and wait for ar two or three weeks to see how he will be feeling n. MS Dhoni’s advice worked as pacer went on to play three matches for India in 2011 World Cup, including high-octane semi-final clash against Pakistan.

Ashish Nehra and MS Dhoni in CSK

Apart from representing national side under MS Dhoni, Ashish Nehra also played alongside legendary wicketkeeper-batsman in Indian Premier League (IPL). pacer was acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise ahead of 2014 season. Nehra n remained associated with MS Dhoni-led side till 2015.

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Ashish Nehra before MS Dhoni in 2011 World Cup and an overall career roundup

Before playing under MS Dhoni and becoming a member of a triumphant 2011 World Cup line-up, Ashish Nehra mostly played under leadership of Sourav Ganguly. He made his international debut in 1999 but only became a regular feature of Indian ODI set-up in 2001. Ashish Nehra n played 2003 World Cup in South Africa, where Sourav Ganguly led ‘Men in Blue’ to a runners-up campaign. pacer n brought curtains to his career in 2017 with a T20I against New Zealand in front of his home crowd in Delhi, as he capped off his Team India journey with 235 international wickets across formats.

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Im credits: PTI