By Nikesh Rughani BBC Asian Network

Bopara gave no hint to any fears of security at the IPL

Ravi Bopara has targeted securing a place in England's World Twenty20 squad with his performances for Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League.

Bopara, 24, is in the provisional 30 man squad for the World Twenty20 in the West Indies and hopes to impress in the IPL, which starts on Friday.

"I'd be stupid if I wasn't aiming for that," he told the BBC Asian Network.

"This could be my way of getting back in the England side and performing. It's a nice shop window in the IPL."

Bopara averaged just 15 from seven innings for England against Australia last summer before being dropped for the final Test of the series.

He also lacked form in the one-day internationals against Australia following the Test series and has since failed to win back his place in the England squad.

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"It most definitely is hurtful (being out of the England side)," he added. "I want to be performing for my country.

"I just want to perform day-by-day and see where it takes me. Hopefully, my performances here in the IPL are noticed and I get picked for my country again."

This year's IPL has returned to India after being played in South Africa last year because of terrorism threats.

Bopara was reported to be concerned about security in India but gave no hints to any such fears as he looked ahead to the tournament, which runs from 12 March to 25 April.

Kings XI Punjab start their IPL campaign on 13 March when they play Delhi Daredevils in Mohali.

"I'm definitely looking more forward to it," he said. "After getting a taster last year in South Africa I think it's going to be really exciting and big this year.

"You've got great players here and superstars from all over the world. That's the sort of cricket you want to watch. Even I want to watch it, so I can just imagine what the fans are like."

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