New Delhi, August 07: 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’s inaugural season, Ojha made his debut against Bangladesh in June last year. He is yet to feature in a Test match.
But the 22-year-old, who is in the list of probables for the ICC Champions Trophy, is not disappointed and says he wishes to perform consistently to earn a Test berth.
“There is nothing to regret. I have been performing whenever I got an opportunity. I am just waiting for the right moment. This (representing India in Tests) is something not in my hands, so I can’t help,” said Ojha, who has played nine ODIs and three Twenty20s.
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 the Champions Trophy. My focus is on tri-series and I have to do well in Lankan conditions,” Ojha said.
“After West Indies tour, I had a break and went home. Now, 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 Robin Singh and 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 are very helpful. 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.
—-Agencies