Chawla defends WC selection, says he has nothing to prove

New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) Piyush Chawla''s inclusion inIndia''s World Cup squad has raised many eyebrows, but theleg-spinner today defended his selection by saying that he hasnothing to prove to his critics and if given a chance hisperformance will speak for itself in the mega-event.

"There is always pressure when you play for India. Andwhen there is pressure there is performance. I have nothing toprove as I have proved myself a number of times and I will doit again in the World Cup," Chawla said during a promotionalevent here, which was also attended by India captain MahendraSingh Dhoni and team-mates Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir,Yuvraj Singh and Yusuf Pathan.

Chawla, who has represented India in just two ODIs sinceJuly 2008 - the last one being the fifth and final matchagainst South Africa in Centurion last month, added thatwhenever provided an opportunity he has given his best for thecountry.

India skipper Dhoni also justified Chawla''s selection inthe squad, saying he brings in more variety to the bowlingattack.

"Piyush was out of the team for quite some time but hehas consiostently played and proved himself in the domesticmatches. It will help the team in the World Cup," Dhoni saidwhen asked about Chawla''s surprise inclusion.

"I am happy with the squad. We have got variation in ourbowling department," he added.

India''s 15-member World Cup squad consists of threespinners with other two being veteran Harbhajan Singh andRavichandaran Ashwin.

Interestingly, left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, who hasbeen consistent in the past against quality opposition and wasa tried and tested option, was completely ignored by theselectors for the mega-event, starting in Dhaka from February19.

Many had contended that Ojha, being a left-armer, wouldhave complemented Harbhajan in a better way than Chawla.

Chawla lost his place in the Indian ODI team in 2008after playing against Pakistan at Karachi. The Aligarh-borncricketer has made his Test debut against England at Mohali in2006.

Chawla played his first ODI against Bangladesh at Dhakain 2007.