Gony replaces Sreesanth for tri-series

NEW DELHI: Punjab seamer Manpreet Gony was on Saturday included in the Indian squad for the tri-series in Bangladesh after paceman S Sreesanth was ruled out due to a side strain, sustained in an Indian Premier League match.
    
"Due to non availability of Sreesanth, it was decided by the selection committee to send Manpreet Gony for Bangladesh tri-series," Niranjan Shah, BCCI Secretary, said in a media release.
    
"Sreesanth was yesterday assessed by Dr. Kinja at Bangalore. He has got a left-sided external oblique strain. He would require about 2 weeks for recovering from the current situation and getting back to his normal bowling routine," the press release added.
    
The Punjab bowler thus becomes the third player who has been rewarded for his good performance in the recently concluded inaugural Indian Premier League.
     
Gony, who has played just five-first class matches, had claimed 17 wickets in 16 matches for the IPL runners-up Chennai Super Kings at an average of 26.05.
    
Baroda all rounder Yousuf Pathan and Hyderabad spinner Pragyan Ojha were earlier given ODI calls for the tri-series.
    
The Kerala pacer would now undergo a two-week rehabilitation programme and will be available for the Asia Cup, to be held in Pakistan.
    
"He will be available for Asia Cup 2008 to be played at Pakistan. Mr. Sreesanth rehabilitation will be organised at NCA in Bangalore," the BCCI press release said.