Ashish Nehra Proves Age is Just a Number

Ashish Nehra was surprisingly named in the 15-member squad for the T20 series in Australia next month following his stellar performance in the 2015 Indian Premier League season. He played his last T20I against South Africa in 2011, wherein he picked up two for 22 from his four overs. (India vs Australia: Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja Stage Comeback for Limited-Overs Series)

"Nehra is a consistent performer in T20 format. He will be useful in the team. We will need experienced players in the ICC World Twenty20. Australia tour is a perfect chance to give them a shot," chairman of selection committee Sandeep Patil said. (MS Dhoni Will Remain Captain Until 2016 World Twenty20: Sandeep Patil)

The 36-year-old's inclusion, who last played for India in March 2011 against Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semi-final in Mohali, can provide depth to India's pace battery, something that Mahendra Singh Dhoni rued during their 0-2 T20I and 2-3 ODI series defeats against South Africa at home. Dhoni knows the strengths and weaknesses of Nehra, having played together for India in the past and more recently in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings. (India vs Australia: Manish Pandey Looks to Make the Most of ODI Call-Up)

Nehra delivered a sterling performance for CSK in the 2015 IPL season, picking up 22 wickets and was the best Indian pacer in the tournament. He finished as the fourth-highest wicket-taker and won three man-of-the-match awards, too.

The left-arm fast bowler featured in 17 games and bowled 62 overs out of the possible 64. He made regular breakthroughs with the new ball and in the death overs stifled the oppositions with his accuracy and variety.

Nehra has picked up 89 wickets from 74 matches in his IPL career at 23.58. However, his economy is on the higher side -- 7.75 -- but his ability to choke runs in the death overs will give captain Dhoni an added advantage on the pacy Australian pitches.