Sran goes through the paces, ready to cater to India’s left-arm demand

MOHALI :While there is no dearth of young fast bowlers knocking on the door of the national team, the search for a left-arm seamer is still on.

Among the few around, lanky left-arm paceman Barinder Sran is one and it was no surprise that he was called up at the Indian team’s nets on Tuesday. The Punjab paceman, who played for India in 2016 before being sidelined due to injuries, was called at the behest of India coach Ravi Shastri.

Barinder bowled to MS Dhoni, mixing his deliveries well. The effort earned him a compliment from the former India skipper. “It was exciting to bowl to him in the nets. I mixed up my deliveries and tried variations. Mahi Bhai was impressed with the way I bowled,” said the paceman, who has represented India in six ODIS and two T20s.

Barinder’s comeback has been delayed due to a spate of injuries. “Knee and shoulder injuries have affected my career. The recovery is a bit slow,” he said.

COMEBACK ON MIND “Shastri sir also inquired about my stint with Punjab this season. I could play just three matches in Ranji Trophy. Now my focus is on Vijay Hazare Trophy (onedayers) and Syed Mustaq Ali Tournament (T20s). A comeback to the Indian team is on my mind,” said the 25-year-old speedster.

“The Sri Lankan pacers used the conditions to their advantage in Dharamsala. The team bowling first had the advantage and put pressure on the batting side. They bowled accurately and kept it simple in the favourable conditions to put India on the backfoot.

The Mohali ground will have similar conditions. The team bowling first will definitely have an edge due to the moisture in the air. The batsmen have to apply and be watchful. The dew might trouble the bowlers in the evening,” said Barinder.