Gony replaces Sreesanth for tri-series

June 19,2008
Manpreet Gony has made it a habit of benefiting from someone's absence. The strapping fast bowler earned his maiden international call for the recent Bangladesh tri-series after Sreesanth pulled out because of a side strain. Gony has retained his place in the Asia Cup squad as the latter hasn't recovered from the injury.

The occurrence is not new for Gony. He made it to the Ranji Trophy only after several Punjab players opted for the Indian Cricket League.

He profited particularly from the departure of Luv Ablish, the right-handed medium-pacer, a fact to which he admits.

Then came the Indian Premier League call. He was overlooked by the Mohali franchisee and wasn't the first choice even for the Chennai team.

He got a call only after Sudeep Tyagi, the right arm quick from Uttar Pradesh, got injured. Chennai were desperately looking for a replacement when Bhupinder Singh (Sr), the national selector, asked V.B. Chandrasekhar, Chennai's chief selector, to watch Gony. Soon, he was playing for Chennai.

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Gony has largely been the second choice so far, but to his credit, he hasn't disappointed with his performance so far. He put up a decent display in the Ranji Trophy, impressed in the Deodhar Trophy and was fantastic in the IPL.

One hopes it won't be any different in the national squad for him.