Punjab seamer Manpreet Gony was on Saturday included in the Indian squad for the tri-series in Bangladesh after paceman S Sreesanth [Images] was ruled out due to a side strain, sustained in an Indian Premier League [Images] 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 doubtful

"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 [Images] at an average of 26.05. 

Baroda all rounder Yusuf Pathan and Hyderabad spinner Pragyan Ojha were earlier given ODI calls for the tri-series. 

The Kerala [Images] 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.

Meanwhile, Gony said a successful IPL stint has made him a better bowler and he was looking forward to give his best in his first national assignment.

"IPL has given me great exposure. You rarely get a chance to bowl to so many world class batsmen and this experience has made me a better bowler. (Chennai Super Kings) coach Kepler Wessels made a slight adjustment to my action, helped me hit the deck harder and bowl at right areas.

"But, I will look to have a fresh start when I bowl in the tri-series, where I will also get opportunity to bowl a longer spell which should help me show my abilities," Gony, who has played just five first class matches, told PTI.

"It is like a dream come true. It was always my dream to play for my country. When I got the call from a BCCI official today informing about my selection in the team for the tri-series, my joy knew no bounds," said the 24-year-old right-arm seamer.

The 6'4" tall cricketer from Mohali, who took 17 wickets from 16 games in the IPL, does not seem to be bothered about pressure of making India debut, though he adds "only pressure on me will be to perform well". 

Gony said he was surprised when he was bought in the IPL players' auction by the Chennai Super Kings team owners. 

"After an ordinary first class debut, getting the call from an IPL franchise came as a surprise. However, I feel taking eight wickets in two Deodhar Trophy matches for North Zone helped me catch the eye of the team owners.

"IPL has been a great learning experience for young cricketers like me. Though schedule was hectic, but I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it," he said. 

Gony praised his Chennai Super Kings skipper M S Dhoni [Images] for showing faith in him during the Twenty20 extravaganza.

"My skipper showed great faith in me. He is a real guiding force and all the players enjoyed playing under him.

In addition, (South African pacer) Makhaya Ntini [Images] used to interact with me regularly and I got the opportunity to talk to many international players which also helped me a lot," he said.