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The ultimate dream, says Ojha

Principal Correspondent

The IPL experience was a morale-booster
I want to play a Test and perform well

HYDERABAD: Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha is elated after being named in the Indian squad for the forthcoming Test series in Sri Lanka. Ojha’s confidence level is on a new high after being part of the Indian team in the tri-series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup in Pakistan.

“You always tend to feel confident after bowling decent spells. Especially when you come up against the likes of Sanath Jayasuriya,” he told The Hindu on his return to Hyderabad.

Immensely satisfying

“It was immensely satisfying to deny Jayasuriya a boundary off my bowling in the Asia Cup final,” Ojha said. The Sri Lankan master blaster was on 88 when Ojha came on to bowl.

“I was not scared to bowl to him. I just told myself that I should restrain him and not give him the liberty to cut. I just stuck to the basics — a good line and length — and I am pleased that the simple strategy clicked,” said a delighted Ojha, who was the most economical Indian bowler in the final.

“I should thank my captain (M.S. Dhoni) for providing me with a challenge by asking me to bowl at such a crucial stage. I hope that I lived up to his expectations,” the 21-year-old said.

On the most important lesson he learnt after donning the national colours, Ojha said: “It is an on-going process. Fortunately, the atmosphere in the dressing room and on the field was really pleasant.

“Everyone tried to help me out especially Yuvi bhai (Yuvraj Singh) and Dhoni. That really eased the pressure on me a lot,” he added.

Best moment

His best moment in his brief stint so far for India has been the dismissal of Raqibul Hassan of Bangladesh — it was his first international wicket.

He also felt good taking three tough catches in the deep.

Ojha, who played three ODIs picking up three wickets, insists that the Indian Premier League and his consistency in the last two years have really helped his cause.

Thanks Robin

“I should thank Robin Singh Sir for my improved fielding. He was really helpful with his simple and effective style of coaching.

“The experience in the IPL, when I had to bowl to some of the best batsmen, was a huge morale-booster. The focus should be more on fitness now. At the highest level, this makes a big difference,” he said.

On his next target, he said: “To play a Test match and perform well. I was hoping for this call. And like any cricketer, playing Tests is the ultimate dream for me,” said Ojha.

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