Ojha: Looking forward to Windies tour

Pragyan Ojha, India's slow left-arm bowler, says he is upbeat about touring the West Indies and believes he can make a difference.
By Sudheer Mahavaadi
In an exclusive chat, Pragyan Ojha shares his feelings and more on his selection for the tour to the West Indies.

SM: You must be happy to retain your place in the Test squad.

Pragyan Ojha: Yes, I am certainly delighted about it. I have been part of the Test squad for some time and I have always tried to give my hundred percent. And I am also happy the way I have progressed so far. But I would also like to be a part of one-day and T20 squad. I know I have to work even harder for that. I hope, with  consistency, I can make a comeback in one-day squad as well.

SM: This is going to be your second trip to the Caribbean. Are you eager and looking forward to the challenge?

PO: Yes, I was there before two years ago. The wickets were a bit fast then. But off late, the surfaces seem to be slowing down a bit. The spinners had great success in the recently-concluded series against Pakistan and I believe our spinners will also perform well. I am confident of delivering the goods.

SM: Are you working on any variations in your bowling?

PO: Yes, I have been working on a couple of variations and hope that will fetch me good results in the coming days. I want to stick to my basics and then try something extra. My main concentration is on my fitness and I am happy with it. I have also started my practice sessions. On Monday morning, I bowled to Laxman and when you can bowl well to such a great player you can certainly be confident of bowling better to others.

SM: Why is it that you are not able to cement a regular place in the team?

PO: Well, I have always given my hundred percent and tried to make the most of  the opportunities that have come my way so far. A lot of hardwork should be done - the competition is so high that once you lose place it becomes ever harder to make a comeback.

SM: You have had the chance of playing under three wicketkeepers-cum batsmen. Can you share anything?

PO: Well, I don't need to say anything about Dhoni bhai. He has been my main inspiration. Gilly (Gilchrist), of course, was superb as well - he too encouraged me a lot and Sangakara too is a great leader. It was unfortunate that, as a team, we failed in the IPL this time - but I hope we will jell better next time and produce good stuff. For a youngster like me, it has certainly been a great experience to play under these three. I have learnt a lot from them.

SM: After Windies, India will play in England. You must be aiming for a place there too?

PO: Let me first focus on this coming tour and perform up to the mark. I hope I will do that and get selected for England as well. It will be a dream-come-true to play there. Everyone says it is the right place to hone one's skills.

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