Mohali: In keeping with coach Greg Chappell's go-young mantra, 20-year-old fast bowler Abid Nabi has been called up by the Indian cricket team to bowl at the nets in Mohali.
He bowled to VVS Laxman in the nets today and earned kudos from the stylish middle order batsman for his searing pace and disconcerting swing.
"I bowled at him in the nets and he praised the kind of speed I worked up as well as my swing," said the six feet two inches tall youngster who hails from Sonwar in Kashmir.
Nabi, who said he got a call from one of the national selectors Bhupinder Singh Senior on Thursday, is currently working on his physical fitness and running techniques under the guidance of Chappell, bio-mechanist Ian Frazer and trainer Gregory Allen King.
"The focus is on my physical fitness and I am also looking to improve my line and length," Nabi said.
Nabi, who believes speed is his biggest asset, said he was busy with his engagements for North Zone in Deodhar Trophy when he got the call from the selector.
"I was told that Chappell and captain Rahul Dravid wanted me here. Naturally, I was very thrilled as it has been my dream to play for the national team," said Nabi, who considers legendary cricketer Kapil Dev as his idol.
Nabi admitted candidly that initially he thought he was being considered for the Test squad but understood that perhaps it was too early for him to graduate to that level.
"I have been touching 140 km per hour regularly in domestic circuit but I know I lack in discipline. I tend to get wayward and I am working hard on it. What is encouraging and a source of constant motivation for me is the fact that the current team management believes in giving chances to youngsters."
Indeed, Chappell and Co have invested heavily in youth, especially as far as India's fast bowling department is concerned.
The fast bowling attack is led by Irfan Pathan who is just 21 and his new ball partners are all rookies -- S Sreesanth (23), Munaf Patel (22), RP Singh (20) and VRV Singh (21).
And hence if Nabi is eyeing his chances, he cannot be blamed for being impatient in realising his ambitions.
Also giving confidence to Nabi is the fact that although there are a number of swing bowlers in India, there is no genuine fast bowler to do the damage upfront and that is where he could fit in.
"I have no qualms in saying I am a speed guy. Like Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee, I also want to touch the 100 miles per hour mark."
Nabi's dreams took shape in surroundings not ideal for cricket.
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