Amit Bhandari, who will replace the injured Ashish Nehra in the Indian team for the ongoing One-Day International series in Pakistan, expressed confidence of giving a good account of himself if included in the playing eleven.
Speaking to rediff.com Bhandari, who will miss Friday's third ODI in Peshawar, said he is happy to be selected to play against Pakistan.
This is the second time the Delhi seamer is being flown out as a replacement. Earlier this year, he was flown to Australia to replace Zaheer Khan, who was ruled out of the one-day series because of a hamstring injury.
Bhandari played just one match in Australia, against Zimbabwe, and came off admirably, claiming three wickets for 31runs.
"I played against Pakistan in a one-day match in Dhaka in June 2000 and got two wickets, those of Abdul Razzak and Wasim Akram.
"If I get a chance to play in the matches against Pakistan I will surely give my best," he said.
Asked about his fitness, Bhandari said he is "fit as a fiddle" and that's why was chosen to replace Nehra.
Nehra split the webbing in his left hand while fielding in the second One-Day International at Rawalpindi. India lost the match by 12 runs.
The right-arm swing bowler, who has the ability to use the old ball to his advantage, said he expects a keen contest between the teams in the three remaining matches.
"I guess my performance in domestic matches must have impressed the selectors."
He praised Nehra's showing in the first two ODIs, saying, "Nehra bowled beautifully in Karachi and Rawalpindi.
"I am not sure if I would be able to make it in time for the Peshawar match but I will definitely be there for the Lahore game."
Bhandari will leave for Lahore on Friday morning and wait there for the Indian team to return for the fourth and fifth matches.
Meanwhile, Nehra's father, Dewan Singh, told this correspondent that he is unaware about his son being sent back following his injury.
"I am only hearing through the media that Ashish is coming back home. I have not heard from him as yet. If he does come back then it may be on March 19 or later," Singh said.
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