Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha announces retirement from all forms of the game
Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Monday.
Naman Ojha (37) had a short international career in which he played for India in all three formats of the game. He made his T20I debut in June 2010 and ended up featuring in only two matches.
Naman Ojha played his only ODI against Sri Lanka in Harare in June 2010 and his only Test against the same opponent in August 2015. He fared reasonably well in the Test, scoring 21 and 35. Behind the wickets, he took four catches and effected one stumping.
While he did not get too many chances to impress at international level, Naman Ojha was a legend for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket.
Having made his first-class debut in the 2000/01 season, Naman Ojha went on to play 146 matches, in which he amassed 9753 runs at an average of 41.67.
The wicketkeeper-batsman notched up 22 centuries and 55 fifties with a best of 219 not out. Naman Ojha also played 143 List A matches and 182 T20s.
In the IPL, he turned out for Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Ojha famously featured in an unbeaten 189-run stand for the second wicket with David Warner for Delhi Daredevils against the Deccan Chargers in IPL 2012.
Warner smashed 109 from 54 deliveries while Naman Ojha made 64 in 46 balls as Delhi chased a target of 188 with ease.
Fortunate to play alongside many legends of cricket: Naman Ojha
While announcing his retirement, Naman Ojha described his cricketing journey as a long and wonderful phase of his life. In his retirement note he said:
"After 20 years in first-class cricket and many more during the junior competitions, I feel it's time for me to move on. It was a long journey and wonderful phase of my life. I am grateful to all who supported me in achieving dream of playing for my country and state - my coaches, trainers, physios and selectors, my captains and teammates, my family and well-wishers, and MPCA & BCCI."
Naman Ojha further added:
"I was very fortunate to play alongside many legends of cricket - in my State team as well as whenever I played for India or the IPL. The list will be too long to write but I cannot forget them ever - each and every person - for their guidance, motivation, camaraderie, and constant support to me."
He also revealed that, post-retirement, he is keen to “face the ball in global competitions” (play in foreign T20 leagues).