Former spinner Pragyan Ojha recalled the biggest advice he received from the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. From 2008-13, Pragyan Ojha played 24 Tests and 18 ODIs for India, picking up 113 and 21 wickets respectively. Pragyan Ojha also took 10 wickets in six T20Is for India. In this time span, Ojha also got to play with Rohit on many occasions. Ojha also played age-group cricket with the opening batter.
Pragyan Ojha recently shed light on a pivotal piece of advice he received from Indian captain Rohit Sharma, which has greatly influenced his approach to the game. Pragyan Ojha, who played for India between 2008 and 2013, reflecting on his career, highlighted the importance of being a “match-winner,” a mantra instilled in him by Sharma during their U19 cricket days.
India under Rohit Sharma would be aiming to draw series with Sri Lanka in 3rd ODI
As India gears up for the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo, the team’s performance remains a topic of focus. Sri Lanka’s win in the second ODI was built on solid contributions from Avishka Fernando (40), Kamindu Mendis (40), and Dunith Wellalage (39), who helped their side reach 240/9 in their allotted 50 overs. For India, Washington Sundar (3/30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/33) led the bowling attack, while Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel also chipped in with crucial wickets.
During the chase, India’s top-order, featuring captain Rohit Sharma (66) and Shubman Gill (35), began promisingly with a 97-run partnership. However, Jeffrey Vandersay’s exceptional spell of 6/33 dismantled the Indian middle order, leaving India at 147/6. Although Axar Patel (44) fought valiantly, India was eventually bowled out for 208 runs in 42.2 overs. Charith Asalanka also contributed significantly with the ball, claiming 3/20.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network ahead of the game, Ojha said that the best advice Rohit gave him during their U19 cricket days was to stand out as a match-winner.
Pragyan Ojha reveals advice from Rohit Sharma during his playing days ahead of 3rd ODI vs Sri Lanka
Former Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha claimed that the best advice he received in his cricketing career was from current Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Rohit and Ojha have played a lot of cricket together and share a great camaraderie. Pragyan Ojha revealed a conversation with Rohit during the time both were representing the Indian team at the U19 level. While many want to fulfill their dream of playing for the country, Ojha opened up on the advice Rohit gave to make a long career being at the top of one’s game.
Speaking to Sony Sports Network, here’s what Pragyan Ojha said:
“Best advice I received was from Rohit Sharma when we were playing U19 cricket. He said, ‘Everyone wants to play for the country because we have come at the U19 level. But if you want to play for India for a long time, then you need to be a match-winner.'”
Rohit Sharma stayed true to his advice as he became one of the greatest match-winners of the decade for India.
Pragyan Ojha on whom he found difficult to bowl to during his playing days
Pragyan Ojha revealed that bowling to former West Indies superstar Chris Gayle was a massive challenge for him. Given Gayle’s explosive game, Ojha claimed that it was always a great challenge for him to come up against.
Speaking on Gayle’s demeanor on and off the field, Pragyan Ojha said:
“Chris Gayle, especially in the T20 format. Because the way in which he bats against left-arm spin and leg-spin, it was difficult. I used to relish the challenge of bowling to him and used to increase my intensity. However, off the field you know Chris Gayle is a funny person and always keeps the atmosphere light.”
Ojha named former India and Hyderabad cricketers Venkatapathy Raju and VVS Laxman as his role models while growing up and aspiring to be a cricketer.
India will be playing the third and final ODI of the series against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Wednesday. India trails by 1-0 in what has been an underwhelming series for them, with the first ODI ending in a tie and the second ending in a 32-run loss. In both the games, India fumbled fine starts with the bat while chasing and faced middle-order collapse.