Always knew Saurabh will play for India one day: Father

Jamshedpur:

Overjoyed with young Saurabh Tiwary's selection in the Asia Cup-bound Indian team, his father Sunil Kumar Tiwary on Monday said after his son's impressive showing in the IPL 3 he always believed that the left-hander would get a national call sooner than later.

The selectors on Monday rewarded Tiwary, 20, for his impressive performances in the domestic season and in this year's IPL by including him in the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Indian team for the Asia Cup to be held in Sri Lanka from June 15 to 25.

"I do not have words to express my family's happiness. We were very much optimistic about Saurabh finding a place in Team India because of his consistent performances in the last couple of years," the senior Tiwary said over phone.

"In the hindsight I had the belief as Saurabh had performed superbly in the Ranji Trophy and IPL-III," the beaming father said referring to Saurabh's superlative show for the 'Mumbai Indians' in this year's IPL.

Asked if he was disappointed after Saurabh was ignored for the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies, the former Tata Steel employee said he knew his son had the potential and getting a berth in the team was just a matter of time.

Suni said he is yet to talk to Saurabh after his selection as he is in England with the India A team.

"But I am expecting a call later in the day," he said. Saurabh's mentor, Kajal Das, a former Jharkhand Ranji team coach said his ward is a hardworking and a quick learner.

Jharkhand State Cricket Association secretary Rajesh Verma said Saurabh has made JSCA and the state proud with his achievement.

"Saurabh has been an automatic choice for the selectors after his consistent performance in Ranji Trophy, IPL and other tournaments," Verma said.

"It is a great day for JSCA as two state boys including Team India captain M S Dhoni and now Saurabh will represent the country," he added.