Mumbai, Nov 23: Back into the Test side in the ongoing series against West Indies, Pragyan Ojha has been back amongst wickets. Although he dismissed just one batsman, Kieran Powell, today, the left-arm spinner claimed seven and six wickets in the first two matches of the three-Test series respectively.
After stumps on Day 2 at Wankhede, Ojha spoke to bcci.tv about his journey to the Test squad and the Indian bowling unit.
On the way the day had shaped up after a difficult morning
It is a very good wicket to bat on; nevertheless they batted very well and I think [after] fielding the whole day yesterday it was a bit tough for us today as well. But when you come on the field early morning you are always thinking, ‘What has happened has happened. We are going to have a new start now.’ Everyone did quite well, even Varun Aaron and [Ravichandran] Ashwin bowled well and also Ishant [Sharma]. It is great to have all these bowlers bowling well. On this kind of wicket we did quite well.
On the way the bowling unit was shaping up
The wickets in Delhi and Kolkata were helping a bit and we just had to [adapt] according to the situation and bowl in the right areas and stick to our basics. That’s what we have done and I think I got my reward and I am happy with the way things are going. I’m confident [about handling] the responsibility that has been given to me. God-willing I will perform for the team.
On making a good comeback and looking ahead to the Australia tour
I have not thought too much about the Australian tour. I was totally focussed on this tour because this was a really important series for me; I was playing after almost one year. I’m happy things turned out my way and the way I am bowling and the way my approach has been, I’m quite happy with it.
On captain MS Dhoni’s guidance
All the senior players are always there specially Dhoni bhai. He keeps telling me what I have to do on a particular wicket. He always helps me out with how to set a field. And even Rahul [Dravid] bhai, [VVS] Laxman bhai, they are always there and I am blessed that I have got all the legends [around me]. Even Sachin [Tendulkar] paaji; they all come and talk to you and as a youngster you can’t ask for anything more than the legends of the game coming and talking to you.
On interacting with new coach Duncan Fletcher
He’s very straightforward and he knows what he wants from the player. As cricketers we also know what is our duty and it’s quite simple. I’m just enjoying the way everything is going and the way our coaches are helping us out.
On the bowling attack
We have a bunch of good bowlers right now; Umesh [Yadav] did quite well in the couple of games [that he played]. This is Varun [Aaron’s] first game and the maturity that he showed was amazing. Ashwin has been doing well and I’m really enjoying bowling with them.
On the resolute West Indies batting in the absence of Shivnarine Chanderpaul
They applied themselves; the wicket wasn’t doing much for the bowlers and I think they really showed their patience and did quite well. It’s up to [our] batsmen now.
On India’s chase
Our batting is more mature and different from that of the West Indies. Hopefully we’ll get a good start and things will go our way.
