"You need to be a match-winner"- Pragyan Ojha on the best advice he received from Rohit Sharma
Former Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha claimed that the best advice he received in his cricketing career was from current Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Rohit and Ojha have played a lot of cricket together and share a great camaraderie.
Ojha revealed a conversation with Rohit during the time both were representing the Indian team at the U19 level. While many want to fulfill their dream of playing for the country, Ojha opened up on the advice Rohit gave to make a long career being at the top of one's game.
Speaking to Sony Sports Network, here's what Pragyan Ojha said:
"Best advice I received was from Rohit Sharma when we were playing U19 cricket. He said, 'Everyone wants to play for the country because we have come at the U19 level. But if you want to play for India for a long time, then you need to be a match-winner.'"
Rohit Sharma stayed true to his advice as he became one of the greatest match-winners of the decade for India.
Pragyan Ojha on whom he found difficult to bowl to
Pragyan Ojha revealed that bowling to former West Indies superstar Chris Gayle was a massive challenge for him. Given Gayle's explosive game, Ojha claimed that it was always a great challenge for him to come up against.
Speaking on Gayle's demeanor on and off the field, Ojha said:
"Chris Gayle, especially in the T20 format. Because the way in which he bats against left-arm spin and leg-spin, it was difficult. I used to relish the challenge of bowling to him and used to increase my intensity. However, off the field you know Chris Gayle is a funny person and always keeps the atmosphere light."
Ojha named former India and Hyderabad cricketers Venkatapathy Raju and VVS Laxman as his role models while growing up and aspiring to be a cricketer.