Indian bowler and IPL winner Pragyan Ojha has announced his retirement from the game.
The left-arm spinner has called time on all formats of cricket after not playing any competitive action since 2018 when featuring for Bihar.
The 33-year-old made his India ODI debut back in 2008 against Bangladesh. His T20I debut came the following year at the World T20 tournament when he took four wickets against the same opponents.
However, it was the longer form of the game that he featured most. He went on to bag more than 100 wickets for his country after a debut in 2009 at home to Sri Lanka. He finishes his career with 113 wickets in 24 Test matches for India.
What turned out to be his final appearance for this country couldn’t have gone much better. He claimed 10 wickets and the man of the match award in a victory over the West Indies in Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell Test.
IPL title joy for Ojha
As well as a fine international career, Pragyan also lifted the IPL title on two occasions.
He won with the Deccan Chargers in 2009 before going on to land a second success with Mumbai Indians.
Mumbai are now looking for their fifth title in IPL 13 and can be backed at 5.00 (4/1) with bet365 to realise that ambition
Another IPL highlight saw him awarded the Purple Cap for the highest wicket-taker during the 2010 season.
He said: “To be an Indian cricketer and represent the country at the highest level was always a dream I cherished as a youngster.
“My eventful career has witnessed many ups and downs. Over the time, I have realised that the legacy of a sportsperson is not just the outcome of his hard work and dedication, but also the faith and guidance bestowed upon by the association (team management), teammates, coaches, trainers, and the fans.
“I am very thankful to Mr. V.V.S Laxman for mentoring me like an elder brother, Mr. Venkatapathy Raju for being the role model I always looked to emulate, Mr. Harbhajan Singh for being a constant adviser and Mr. M.S. Dhoni for providing me with the honorable opportunity to wear the Indian Cap.
“Lastly, I am certain that looking back at my career will always fill me with a sense of pride. The most memorable moments would be receiving my Test Cap from Mr. Sachin Tendulkar and accomplishing the feat of taking 100 Test wickets. I hope to continue contributing towards the growth of Indian Cricket in every capacity possible.”
