Former India left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, who has recently called it quits on his international career, is eager to compete in the T20 Leagues across the globe and for this, he will seek BCCI permission as well. Ojha had announced his retirement from international and first-class cricket last Friday as well.
“There are few things in my mind. I have been doing commentary and I am with the BCCI. I will take advise from the BCCI whether I can go and play in some leagues outside India but (only) if I get a permission. I need to talk to BCCI and let’s see what happens,” Ojha said to the reporters on sidelines of the DY Patil T20 Cup.
He mostly played under the veteran wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni whom he referred to as the former skipper “bowler’s captain” as he understands his bowlers well. He praised Dhoni and said that every bowler needs a captain like Dhoni who understands them well and also given dimensions as well. Even his inputs like where to put the field and other staff help the bowlers keep their mind clear in a crucial game.
Earlier in his career, Ojha used to have a successful spin partnership with experienced Ravichandran Ashwin in Tests, taking 20 wickets in the 2011 matches against West Indies at home and 13 in the next year against New Zealand. However, he also has some regrets of not playing more, saying,
“Maybe (would have played) more cricket for India”.
While giving an example of Shahbaz Nadeem, Pragyan Ojha said there were a lot of opportunities for left-arm spinners and their performance at the domestic cricket would help them to go ahead as well. He further stressed hard work and consistency in domestic cricket which can open the door for the national team. However, he was banned for a certain period of time after his action was found to be illegal. However, he was returned within 22 days and started playing for Hyderabad again alongside India ‘A’ as well.
