Hyderabad high for fast-learning Ojha
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Nov. 11: He may not have yet achieved an ounce of the greatness his legendary predecessors have, but Pragyan Ojha is the only player from Hyderabad to have represented India in all three forms of the game — Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s.
Understandably, he has a strong connection to the Test at home beginning on Friday. “I cannot describe my feeling in words... can’t wait to get on to the field at this magnificent stadium,” an excited Ojha told this newspaper on match eve.
Speaking about his early years in cricket, the left-arm spinner said: “While I was playing my junior grades — U-19 and U-22 — I never thought one day I would get to this stage. I was not too confident initially and a bit wayward then. It was (VVS) Laxman ‘bhai’ who made me believe in myself and asked me to aim higher. He continues to guide me even now. I am thrilled to be in the Indian team alongside him when Hyderabad is hosting the highest grade of cricket after 22 years.”
“It is a cherished dream to be playing here. This is where I learnt my cricket and have managed to reach the highest level by God’s grace,” Ojha said as he got nostalgic.
Ojha also acknowledges human help he got on his way to the top. “I would like to thank Vijay Paul sir, who has coached me since my childhood (Vijay Paul has also coached another prodigy, A.T. Rayudu). During my second season in Ranji Trophy (2005-06), it was coach Kanwaljit Singh who used to tell me that I could play for the country one day. Later, Bhajji ‘bhai’ (Harbhajan Singh) too has helped me a lot,” he said.
Ojha obviously is enjoying the game better these days. “Earlier I was in the squad but would not get chances in the XI. Now, things are falling into place nicely and I have been getting chances frequently and am doing well — working harder than ever to focus on my game,” he said.
Asked to spell out one thing he learnt being in the Indian team, Ojha pointed to the learning process itself. “The biggest thing in life is the willingness to learn all the time. In cricket, there is no better example than Sachin Tendulkar, who has been playing for 22 years but is still hungry for runs. He is a huge motivation for everyone,” Ojha complimented the Little Master.
“To be in the same dressing room as Sachin Tendulkar in itself is a great feeling but more than that the fact that I got my Test cap from him during the game against Sri Lanka in Kanpur in November last year. That is a moment I will cherish throughout my life,” he added.
Ojha wants the Master to get his 50th Test century in Hyderabad. “Everyone is waiting to see him get that 50th ton soon, and I would love to see him do that here. Given the amount of runs and hundreds he has got, scoring a century is a small issue for him.”
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