Pragyan Ojha set to return to home team Hyderabad

Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha, on Wednesday, said that he was seeking a transfer from Bengal after a two-season stint to return to his home team Hyderabad for the upcoming domestic season. Terming it a personal decision citing that he had some family issues and wanted to return home, the left-arm spinner said he’s written to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) today seeking an NOC and also informed his decision to its president Sourav Ganguly personally.

Ojha last played a Test in 2013 against the West Indies, which was also Sachin Tendulkar‘s farewell match and took a 10-wicket match haul but it did not prove enough in terms of impressing the selectors. With Hyderabad relegated to group C, he switched allegiance to Bengal in 2015-16 to get better chances of making a comeback into the Indian team and claimed 36 wickets from nine matches, their joint highest with pacer Ashok Dinda.

However, the left-arm spinner had a lacklustre last season with 10 wickets from six matches as there were reports of discontent with him in the team.

“I’m excited to return to my home side, we are back in the elite group and looking forward to do well by giving that extra bit as an experienced cricketer,” the 30-year-old told PTI from Hyderabad. “The target will definitely come into mind but at the moment I want to do well and even contribute with the bat and be one of the main members of the team. We have a few youngsters who have been doing well,” he said.

The decision now depends on the NOC 

Ojha, however, was all praise for CAB. “It’s nothing to do with anything with CAB. I had a cordial relation with everyone. CAB always allowed me to play the kind of cricket I wanted. It’s important to have that space,” he said.

“They never doubted my decision as far as cricket was concerned. I am especially thankful to Dada (Ganguly) and captain Manoj (Tiwary) who were the backbone to me doing well for Bengal. (Coach) Sairaj Bahutule and Manoj always had the confidence in me and backed me,” he concluded, as reported by the Indian Express.

The Hyderabad Cricket Association is also set to welcome Ambati Rayudu after his stint for Vidharbha and will lead the squad. Though Ojha has expressed his willingness to come back to Hyderabad, it was also made clear that they would only take it forward if the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) issues the NOC to the spinner.