I want to make a comeback into the Indian team : Pragyan Ojha

Pragyan-Ojha

If Bengal are to make it to the knock-out stages of Ranji Trophy , a lot of credit should go to Pragyan Ojha . Left out of the Indian team , Ojha have so far picked 29 wickets  from 7 matches this season for Bengal . His best bowling was against Vidarbha when he took 11 wickets in the match including  7/58 in the first  innings . He has been the go to man for Bengal skipper Manoj Tiwary whenever the chips are down this season . Xtra Time caught up with the India discard immediately after Bengal registered an  incredible win over Orissa at the Bengal Cricket Academy in Kalyani . Here are the excerpts :

How has been the experience so far playing for Bengal ?

It’s been wonderful to say the least . The team is playing like a cohesive unit . The spirit both on and off the field have been tremendous . Each and every individual is giving their best for the team . But what has been heartening for me was the manner in which we got the two outright victories .

 

Are you satisfied with your bowling ?

I hope I have been able to answer my critics . Last one and half year  have  been a very difficult phase of my career with allegations of chucking against me . I was even ridiculed for bowling with a full sleeve jersey . But everyone can see me bowling with a changed action now . For me the last one and half year is past and I do not want to look back .

 

How are you enjoying the role of  a senior bowler in the team and that too in such a short period ?

I am thoroughly enjoying the role of the senior bowler in the team , and I must confess it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Dada , Manoj , Dinda and others in the team . I feel proud to be given the role of senior bowler in the team . It gives me an immense satisfaction gelling with junors like Aamir Gani and Anurag Tiwari who have always shown the willingness to learn .

 

Your batting seemed to have improved a lot in recent times . A word on your batting .

See , modern day cricket is all about doing well in all aspects i.e., batting , bowling and fielding . If you look at the statistics , contribution from the lower order batting  have been the strength . I am also a firm believer of this theory , the lower order batsman needs to contribute with the bat as well . I want to see Bengal developing this ideology of  giving impetus to lower order batting .

 

Are you eyeing a comeback into the national team ?

Every individual dreams of playing for their country and I am no different . I am fortunate to have played test matches for India and I think I have done well whatever opportunity I have got . I am giving all my best efforts so as to make a comeback into the Indian team . I know it is tough with the competition these days but I am hopeful .

 

Lastly , are you missing your family ?

Yes , I have been missing my family very much . As you know , my family stays in Hyderabad . So every time I get an opportunity , I do not waste  time getting the permission from CAB to be with my family . I will be travelling to Hyderabad tonight . I must  admit I have some great friends  like Manoj and Dinda who constantly give me company  and help me enjoy my game .