Story ProgressBack to home
Ojha hopes to retain berth in Lanka series
Pragyan Ojha hopes to retain his berth in the ODI squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka but says his ultimate aim is to play for the country in Tests.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: August 25, 2009 09:06 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
Kolkata:
A regular member in one-dayers since he was drafted into the side after an impressive performance in the IPL inaugural season, Ojha made his debut against Bangladesh in June last year. He is yet to feature in a Test.
But the 22-year-old, who is in the list of probables for the ICC Champions Trophy, is not disappointed and says he likes to perform consistently to earn a Test berth.
"There is nothing to regret. I have been doing well whenever opportunity comes. I am just waiting for opportune moment. This (representing India in Tests) is something not in my hands, so I can't help," Ojha, who has played nine ODIs and three Twenty20s, said from Bangalore.
Currently representing Hyderabad in the KSCA all-India invitation tournament for the MRF Trophy in Bangalore, Ojha said, "For a cricketer, playing Test cricket for his country is the ultimate goal and I am looking forward to that."
Ojha, who hails from Orissa, said he was preparing for the tri-series involving hosts Sri Lanka, New Zealand and India from September 8-14.
"There is still lot of time for Champions Trophy. My focus is on tri-series and I have to do well in Lankan conditions," Ojha, who has played in the emerald isle, said.
"After West Indies tour, I had a break and went home. I am back in action, practicing at the nets and training hard to remain in shape. It's (MRF Trophy) a good match practice ahead of the series," Ojha said.
Asked whether he felt dejected in warming the benches in New Zealand and the West Indies where he was part of the squad but never got a chance to play, Ojha said, "I did not play much. But I was training a lot under (fielding coach) Robin Singh and (bowling coach) Venkatesh Prasad. It's a good experience to be with the side on away tours."
"I've learnt a lot being with the Indian team. All senior players including (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni are very helpful.
There is not much change in my bowling but I'm more confident now. I can now provide that extra loop or pace with more confidence. It is helping me to get wickets," he added.
The India squad for the tri-series and Champions Trophy will be announced on August 16.
India left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha hopes to retain his berth in the ODI squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka but says his ultimate aim is to play for the country in the longer version of the game.A regular member in one-dayers since he was drafted into the side after an impressive performance in the IPL inaugural season, Ojha made his debut against Bangladesh in June last year. He is yet to feature in a Test.
But the 22-year-old, who is in the list of probables for the ICC Champions Trophy, is not disappointed and says he likes to perform consistently to earn a Test berth.
"There is nothing to regret. I have been doing well whenever opportunity comes. I am just waiting for opportune moment. This (representing India in Tests) is something not in my hands, so I can't help," Ojha, who has played nine ODIs and three Twenty20s, said from Bangalore.
Currently representing Hyderabad in the KSCA all-India invitation tournament for the MRF Trophy in Bangalore, Ojha said, "For a cricketer, playing Test cricket for his country is the ultimate goal and I am looking forward to that."
Ojha, who hails from Orissa, said he was preparing for the tri-series involving hosts Sri Lanka, New Zealand and India from September 8-14.
"There is still lot of time for Champions Trophy. My focus is on tri-series and I have to do well in Lankan conditions," Ojha, who has played in the emerald isle, said.
"After West Indies tour, I had a break and went home. I am back in action, practicing at the nets and training hard to remain in shape. It's (MRF Trophy) a good match practice ahead of the series," Ojha said.
Asked whether he felt dejected in warming the benches in New Zealand and the West Indies where he was part of the squad but never got a chance to play, Ojha said, "I did not play much. But I was training a lot under (fielding coach) Robin Singh and (bowling coach) Venkatesh Prasad. It's a good experience to be with the side on away tours."
"I've learnt a lot being with the Indian team. All senior players including (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni are very helpful.
There is not much change in my bowling but I'm more confident now. I can now provide that extra loop or pace with more confidence. It is helping me to get wickets," he added.
The India squad for the tri-series and Champions Trophy will be announced on August 16.
Topics mentioned in this article
Cricket Sreesanth
Get the Latest IPL 2024 Updates, check out IPL 2024 schedules and IPL points table at NDTV Sports.Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more sports updates. You can also download the NDTV Cricket app for Android or iOS.