Asnodkar expected call-up

Swapnil Asnodkar, the Goa batsman, has said he was expecting a call-up to the India A side after his success at the Indian Premier League.

Asnodkar, who aggregated 311 runs from nine matches for the Rajasthan Royals, was named in the A squad for the tri-series involving Australia A and New Zealand A next month. "After the exploits in the IPL, a call from the national selectors was always around the corner," he told the Times of India. "I knew my time would come."

Asnodkar, 24, said he wanted to be recognised for more than just his Twenty20 abilities. He averages 42.20 from 33 first-class games, with six hundreds and 11 half-centuries. "I am not getting carried away by the call. I know I have lots to do before making the international grade."

Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of selectors, hoped Asnodkar would make the best of the opportunity. "Opportunities like these come rarely as the competition is extremely stiff. Swapnil is a talented cricketer and has deservedly got the nod from the selectors."

The tri-series, scheduled between September 15 and 26, will be played in Hyderabad and Chennai.