Kerala [Images] seamer S Sreesanth [Images] said he did not expect to be picked in the Indian squad against Sri Lanka [Images] and probably his dismissal of star batsmen Sachin Tendulkar [Images] and VVS Laxman in the Challenger Series helped his case.

"I didn't come into this competition thinking I was competing with someone for a place in the Indian team," Sreesanth said after the 15-member Indian team for the first two one-dayers was announced in Chandigarh on Friday.

• Complete Coverage: Challenger series

"Not even after I won the man of the series award last night did I think I would be selected to play for the country. It probably helped me that I picked up a couple of big wickets, including those of Sachin and Laxman," the Kerala speedster said.

"The entire Challenger experience was a wonderful learning experience for me. Every day, every moment, I learnt a little bit.

"The support from the senior players was extremely helpful, and I am sure the dressing room experience as part of the Indian team will add to my knowledge."

"Robin Singh sir (coach of India 'B') too helped me a lot," said Sreesanth who picked seven wickets from three matches in the Challenger Series.

The 22-year-old bespectacled lad missed most part of last domestic season due to a hamstring injury. But Sreesanth was happy that things had begun to happen for him in the new season.

"I will take things as they come. I will try and bowl to my strengths, do what I have been doing so far which is to keep it straight, keep it up and swing the ball."

Sreesanth also gave credit to MRF Pace Foundation for his improvement as a fast bowler in recent years.

"I have been with MRF for the last three years, and it is after going there that I got the right direction.

"All the credit for this goes to MRF. I also spent two years under Syed Kirmani at the zonal academy in Chennai, and that was a big step forward for me," he said.

Coach Greg Chappell [Images] also had words of praise for Sreesanth.

"From what I have seen in Bangalore and here, he has shown great attitude and work ethic. He has the talent," the Australian said after the Challenger Series final.