Nanda looks to start afresh

But the leggie’s real test will kickoff later this week,when the Mumbai Indians camp at the Brabourne Stadium will decide whether he will be turning his wrists over extensively for his IPL side,starting March 12. “It is good to be back and bowling. I do not want to set long term ambitions but my aim during this camp is to get back into the groove. The main thing for a bowler coming back from injury is strike rhythm early and that is what I am looking to do for now. I have confidence in my ability and within the next three to four days,I want to strike the right tempo,” Nanda said,speaking to Sportline.

Tugging at the leash to return to the field,Nanda was picked in the 15-member Delhi squad for the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Mumbai,following a fitness test. But he did not feature in the playing XI and Delhi did not play another match,as they were knocked out by the 39-time champions. “Personally,missing the Ranji Trophy was extremely difficult for me. To sit on the sidelines and watch is not an easy thing,especially when the team needs your services. Delhi has given me everything and I was very eager to recover on time for the side which has done everything for me,” Nanda added.

Plasters,casts and bandages ate away at his warm-up period for the IPL,but Nanda has a new mantra for the immediate future. “Don’t look back at the past,concentrate on what you can make possible. Lots of players like Zaheer Khan,Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir have come back stronger,fitter and better after injury. I am sure I can do the same,” the 30-year-old said.

Nanda isn’t deterred by the no-show at the domestic one-dayers,as he is pinning his hopes on a good run in the IPL. “I do not think that it is tougher to make a comeback against international players. In fact,it will give a huge boost to my confidence. To do well against the best in the world,I will have to be at my peak. Had I played for Delhi it would have obviously been better coming into the tournament,but it is pointless to worry about things that is out of your control.”

With young spinners sprouting up around the country and making waves to catch the national selectors’ eye,Nanda feels that he missed out on his India call due to the injury,but remains confident of wearing the India blue sooner rather than later. “My aim is to play for India by 2011. I know that I can make it possible. I have a strong belief in the almighty and nothing can stop me until I achieve my dreams.”