Sourav Ganguly denies Pragyan Ojha a release from Bengal

Pragyan Ojha sought a move back to his home side Hyderabad ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Interestingly, Ojha joined Bengal just two seasons ago when Hyderabad were pushed to Group C. Sourav Ganguly, the president of Cricket Association of Bengal, has shown no interest in releasing Ojha.

Ojha keen on returning to home state

The 30-year old, in a recent interview, said that he was looking forward to returning to his home side Hyderabad. He was struggling as a bowler after he was called for a suspect action in 2014 but his fortunes changed after joining Bengal two years ago. Ojha performed decently for Bengal but a comeback to the Indian side was a far-fetched dream.

“I’m excited to return to my home side, we are back in Elite group and looking forward to do well by giving that extra bit as an experienced cricketer,” the 30-year-old told PTI and added,. 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.”

Ganguly says no to release Ojha

Still only 30, Ojha still has time to come back into national contention by picking a bucket full of wickets. A move back to Hyderabad would have made sense but Ganguly is stern on his decision to not release the bowler. The former India captain said that the state needs the services of Ojha for the 2017-18 season.

“He wanted a release but we have not given him. Bengal signed him when Hyderabad were in Plate. We need his service, and how can he leave us now.” Ganguly said.

Ojha had already spoken to the Hyderabad Cricket Association regarding his move back to the state. The HCA welcomed his decision but after learning Ganguly’s stance, they opted to respect the former skipper’s decision.

“If they are not releasing Ojha what can we do? We have high regards for Ganguly, he’s a former India captain and he will take a decision in the best interest of the game and cricketers in Bengal,” HCA secretary T Seshnarayan said.

Ojha has won 24 Test caps, taking 113 Test scalps at 30.26 In 18 ODIs; the last of which came in 2012, the left-arm spinner has taken 21 wickets at 31.04. It shocks a lot of people that Ojha picked up his only ten-wicket haul in Tests in his last appearance for India in 2013, which also happened to be the last time the great Sachin Tendulkar donned the India colors. Since then, Ravindra Jadeja’s arrival coupled with his suspension from bowling in 2014 led him to be out-of-favor for India selection.