With as many as 113 wickets in only 24 matches, Pragyan Ojha was destined to become India’s frontline left-arm spinner but his career has not panned out as planned. The left-arm spinner, who was adjudged man of the match in the last Test he played in 2013 against the West Indies, received a huge setback when his bowling action came under International Cricket Council (ICC) scrutiny.
But he soon made a comeback to the cricket field after remodelling his action and has been doing quite well in domestic cricket. He also switched to Bengal from Hyderabad and is now desperately trying to make a comeback to the Indian team.
Currently, in Bengaluru for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ojha’s hopes of making a mark soon took a huge blow after he remained unsold in this year’s IPL auction.
However, he has taken the snub in a positive manner and is looking forward to doing well. He is also considering a county stint to sharpen his bowling skills.
“The fact is all the teams were packed. There’s no point dwelling on things which aren’t in your control. I just came here and wanted to give my best,” he said.
“If I get to play (in the county), I will definitely go for it. During my stint with Surrey (in 2011), I learnt a lot. Last year, I had an opportunity to play for Middlesex but it clashed with Duleep Trophy so I couldn’t go,” he added.
On Friday (March 3) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, he played a pivotal role in Bengal’s 96-run win over Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy by taking 3 wickets for 28 runs.
“Playing against Mumbai is always special. Considering their history and the way they have dominated domestic cricket – you look to do well against them all the time,” he said.
The spinner is also working hard on his fitness to strengthen his case for a spot in the national team.
“When you look at the Indian team, every player is pushing hard (to be fit). I am looking to make a comeback and I have to work doubly hard. To do anything on the field, fitness is the key. I have been bowling a lot, running and working out in the gym. The most important thing is the diet. I have cut down on sugar, and I am trying to eat the right kind of food at the right time,” Ojha pointed out.
Speaking of his remodelled action, he said:“Previously, my run-up used to be diagonal, but now I am coming straighter (to the crease). That’s the only difference that I have done. Also, there is a slight pause in my action (just before delivering the ball) and that fraction of a second helps to me gauge what the batsman is trying to do.”
With Ravindra Jadeja cementing his spot in the team, Ojha has found it tough to break into the Indian team again. But the former Hyderabad star said he is using the snub as a motivating factor.
“The fact that I am being overlooked constantly is the biggest motivating factor. Obviously, when you have played at that level and won games for the country, you know you can do it,” he concluded.