I am an improved bowler now - Rasool

With R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja being rested for the three-T20I series against England, Parvez Rasool has been added to the squad along with Amit Mishra, but the offspinning allrounder from Jammu & Kashmir hopes to find a place in the India side when Ashwin is around.

"I had no clue that Ashwin has been rested for the series," Rasool told PTI. "Actually, when I got a call from the BCCI office, I thought this will be a first chance for me to share the dressing room with Ashwin. Seven days with a player of his calibre means I can learn a lot.

"I was training with state team in Jammu for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I got a call from BCCI office in the morning and now I am rushing to catch a flight to Delhi."

While Rasool has slipped down the pecking order, having played his only ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2014, his own assessment is that he is now a better bowler.

"This year before the Ranji Trophy, there was an NCA camp for spinners only," Rasool said. "There I had sessions with Narendra Hirwani and Nikhil Chopra. I believe those 20 days at NCA were very fruitful. I dissected my own bowling.

"Because in IPL, you have to also play a restrictive role, I was pushing the ball faster through the air. Hirwani Sir told me that moment you push it faster, the revs on the delivery would be lesser. Nikhil Sir also told me to be a bit slower through the air and give the ball more air. The 38 wickets in the Ranji Trophy was a testimony to that."

Rasool believes that his 3 for 38 for India A against England XI in the warm-up game also helped him get a call-up.

"It is very essential to perform consistently throughout the season but I believe there are certain matches where the selectors are keenly watching you," he said. "If you can perform there, your case becomes stronger. Two of my three wickets were Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. Once you are getting wickets against an international side, you know can belong to this level."

Rasool is also looking forward to learning from India coach Anil Kumble and captain Virat Kohli, who was Rasool's team-mate at the IPL.

"I have not had too many interactions with Anil Sir," he said. "This is an opportunity where I can learn a few things from him. Also Virat's presence in the side makes it easier for me as he has been my captain in the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

"I don't need to elaborate on Virat's dedication. But the lasting memory that has stayed with me is his innings against KKR after getting stitches in his hand. He was in pain but he didn't even flinch one bit. I saw him and felt that that's what a world-class cricketer means. Everyday with Virat is a learning experience."