Date:07/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/07/stories/2008110755282200.htm

Sport - Cricket

Ojha keen to establish himself

CUTTACK: Hyderabad left-arm spinner, Pragyan Ojha, says his ultimate goal would be to make the Test team.

The 22-year-old Bhubaneswar-born bowler, who moved to Hyderabad to pursue studies but ended up playing cricket full time, was obviously elated to be named in the 15-member ODI squad for the first three games.

“It is indeed a great feeling,” he told the media at the end of Hyderabad’s Ranji Trophy game against Orissa at the Barabati Stadium on Thursday. “There is nothing more satisfying than representing the country.”

Expected call up

Ojha said he was sure of the National selectors naming him in the squad.

“Obviously, I was expecting this call-up. Now that I am in the squad, I will give my best,” he said.

He said he was also looking forward to representing India in Test cricket.

“I am yet to play in Tests, which is my final destination. I will work hard to earn the Test cap as well,” he observed.

Ojha said all the members of the Indian team were very supportive of him.

“(Whenever) I’ve played for the country, I have been encouraged by all in the team,” he said, before adding: “Captain (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni especially backed me,” Ojha added.

Ojha made his debut against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup at Karachi earlier this year and has played five ODIs so far with moderate success.

He has five wickets and 27 runs from his five matches. — Special Correspondent