Before the start of the 2015/16 season, Pragyan Ojha, in order to play in the elite group, switched his base to Bengal so as to have better opportunities. The left-arm spinner performed well in his stint with Bengal but now, he is all set to make a comeback to his original state side i.e. Hyderabad, which he represented for a total of 10 years before making a switch,

“I’m excited to return to my home side, we are back in the Elite group and looking forward to doing well by giving that extra bit as an experienced cricketer. The target will definitely come into mind but at the moment I want to do well and even contribute with the bat and be one of the main members of the team. We have a few youngsters who have been doing well,” Ojha told PTI.

The left-arm spinner has already asked the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for an NOC and also had a talk with Sourav Ganguly, the Board’s President. (Read Here: Bharat Arun Knows These Boys Better Than Me: Shastri)

The reports of a tussle in the team came out a few times but Ojha said that it’s totally his personal decision to be back in his native state side,

“It’s nothing to do with anything with CAB. I had a cordial relation with everyone. CAB always allowed me to play the kind of cricket I wanted. It’s important to have that space. They never doubted my decision as far as cricket was concerned. I am especially thankful to Dada (Ganguly) and captain Manoj (Tiwary) who were the backbone of me doing well for Bengal. (Coach) Sairaj Bahutule and Manoj always had the confidence in me and backed me,” Ojha added.

"Excited To Be Back In My Home Side," Says Pragyan Ojha 2

In his two years with the team, Ojha did well and so as the team. Though the side could not qualify for second round of Ranji Trophy their performance was better. Ojha himself was the highest wicket-taker for the state in 2015/16 season.

His stint with Bengal helped him regain his confidence as he was banned from bowling in December 2014. It was a shocking moment but soon he made his comeback and playing for a big team like Bengal was a big confidence booster for him. (Read Here: The Fabric Of Indian Cricket Will Remain: Shastri)

Ojha, who was a part of India Green in the inaugural edition of pink ball Duleep trophy, played his last Test in November 2013, which was the last Test of Sachin Tendulkar. He scalped a 10-fer in that game and the biggest irony is he is yet to play a Test match after that. He lost his place to Ravindra Jadeja and when the team felt the need of a third spinner during the season, Kuldeep Yadav was called in, who has now made it to all the formats of the game.

A veteran of 104 first-class games will look to add experience in young Hyderabad side, who performed quite well in the previous season.