Pragyan Ojha makes a telling statement
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Life is slowly coming full circle for Pragyan Ojha.
Having spent close to a year out of the Test side as India played all around the world, opportunity finally came his way with the home series against the West Indies, and the left-arm orthodox spinner is making hay.
With a career-best effort in the first innings, Ojha made a strong case for himself. His seven victims include four from leg-before decisions, one stumped, one caught in the field and a caught-and-bowled, an indicator of the variety he has employed.
His best probably was the wicket of the obdurate Kraigg Brathwaite in the first innings, the batsman lured out after almost four and a half hours at the crease, and stumped.
Since his debut against Sri Lanka at Kanpur nearly two years ago, the 25-year-old has played in just 11 Test matches. His last coming against New Zealand at Nagpur, where he finished with three wickets in India’s innings win.
Sidelined thereafter, Ojha put in a county stint and played at every chance possible, waiting for the day the selectors would look his way again. Away series’ against the West Indies and England came and went, and he soldiered on under the radar.
Ojha’s county stint was helpful in that he learnt the value of wheeling away day after day, and to carry his weight in a team. Where he had acquired something of a reputation of being a good bowler, but not dedicated enough yet he fought on gamely.
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