Securing ten wickets in a single match remains a pinnacle achievement for any bowler in international cricket. However, a rare and puzzling situation arises when a player reaches this milestone only to see their international career abruptly halted immediately afterward. A similar fate befell former Indian spin bowler Pragyan Ojha, who is now associated with national selection duties.
The Historic Farewell Test at Wankhede
Pragyan Ojha played his final Test match in the year 2013 against West Indies at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. This fixture held immense significance as it served as the emotional retirement match for legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar. During this memorable encounter, Pragyan Ojha delivered a stellar bowling performance by claiming five wickets in each innings, totaling ten wickets for the match.
An Abrupt Exit Despite a Stellar Performance
Owing to his exceptional bowling display, he was honored with the player of the match award, completely unaware that this fixture would mark the end of his Test career. Following this match, Pragyan Ojha never represented India in the longest format again. He later noted that he never received a clear explanation regarding why he was sidelined from the national squad despite taking ten wickets in his final outing.
Remarkable Test Statistics
A review of Pragyan Ojha's numbers in Test cricket highlights a highly respectable career. He represented India in merely 24 Test matches, capturing 113 wickets in the process. His career-best bowling figures in this format stand at 10 wickets for 89 runs. Throughout his international career, he accomplished the feat of taking five or more wickets in an innings a total of 7 times.
Limited Overs Record and New Responsibilities
Beyond Test cricket, Pragyan Ojha also featured in limited-overs formats for the national team. He played 18 One Day Internationals and 6 T20 matches for India. In ODI cricket, he claimed 21 wickets, while in T20 matches he accumulated 10 dismissals. Although his limited-overs statistics were less impactful, his Test career is widely considered to have concluded prematurely. Transitioning into a vital administrative capacity, Pragyan Ojha now serves as the chief selector for the Indian team.
