Karnataka pacer Aravind 'wasn't expecting the call this year'

Sreenath Aravind is expectedly "very happy", albeit a bit surprised, on being selected to the Indian cricket team for the first two ODIs against England.

The Karnataka left-arm medium pacer, who impressed with his bowling for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last edition of the Indian Premier League said, "I am very happy. I wasn't expecting the call this year, especially after I missed the Emerging tour due to injury.

"After I recovered I was hoping to do well this season and looking for a call next year. But I am very happy and surprised that the selectors have given me the opportunity this year itself," the 27-year-old told reporters ahead of his Champions League T20 match against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Aravind, who has taken 68 first-class wickets in 20 matches, feels he has matured as a bowler in the last two years and is constantly improvising on his bowling. He expressed hoped that he will get a chance to play in the upcoming series.

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"I am really looking forward to the challenge. I have been really working hard on my bowling ever since I recovered from the injury. I think I am a better bowler than what I was a couple of years back. I hope to get a match and give my best."

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He is the third bowler (Abhimanyu Mithun, Ranganath Vinay Kumar being the other two) in last two years from the Karnataka stable of medium fast men who have got an opportunity to don the blue jersey.

"It's nice that even Vinay is in the side. As you know, in the Karnataka Ranji side, Vinay plays a role of mentor to me and (Abhimanyu) Mithun, so I will be getting the guidance from him even in the Indian team and that will help ease the pressure," he concluded.