Date:06/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/06/stories/2008120661802000.htm

Sport - Cricket

I have decided to focus on the job: Ojha

V.V. Subrahmanyam

’HYDERABAD: The other day V.V.S. Laxman was wondering how many Hyderabad players possess the ability to play for India in the future. The selection of Pragyan Ojha, the 22-year-old left-arm spinner, for the two-Test series against England, must have come as a relief to Laxman.

And for his part, Ojha, who shifted his base to Hyderabad from Orissa in 2001, believes that he is a much-improved bowler now and is ready for the challenge. After picking up five wickets in the five ODIs he has played so far, he is a confident man.

“The last six months with the Indian team gave me the privilege of rubbing shoulders with the best players in India,” he said in a chat with The Hindu.

Learning process

“It was a learning process. The way every member made me feel comfortable in the squad made me believe in myself and my role. Bhajji Bhai (Harbhajan Singh) gave me some invaluable tips that really helped. All that I am looking for now is a chance to execute the things I have learnt,” said Ojha.

“I didn’t make too many changes in my bowling action but used simple techniques to be more successful. Coach Gary Kirsten and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad have given me encouragement and I am grateful to them for their moral support.

“Also, the IPL stint with Deccan Chargers (11 wickets from 14 matches) was an important experience and had a big impact on my career,” he added.

“I have decided to focus on the job and not think much about things which are beyond my control.

“I want to follow my great predecessors from Hyderabad — Mohd. Azharuddin and Laxman. They have been my source of inspiration along with Raju Sir (Venkatapathy Raju).

Keen to keep improving

“I am also aware that there is always scope for improvement and I am determined to keep improving with each game,” he said.

“I know it is difficult to get a break into the Indian team and even more difficult to retain your place. Only performances speak at that level,” said the left-arm spinner.

“I rate Laxman as the best player of spin and that is why I bowl to him in the nets to master the nuances and he always comes up with practical suggestions to make me better,” he said.

“Right now I have no specific goals. If given the chance, I will just try to follow the advice given by Bhajji Bhai who reminded me that the Englishmen are susceptible to left-arm spin and that I should just stick to the basics and keep trying to get wickets,” said Ojha.The youngster is all praise for M.S. Dhoni. “The most striking feature of his captaincy is the freedom that he gives you. He gives complete support and makes players realise that they have a definite role in the team,” said Ojha.