Naman Ojha hangs up boots; open to play in foreign leagues
Former Indian wicket-keeper Naman Ojha, who has represented India in all three formats of the game, has decided to call it a day from Indian domestic cricket but is open to offers from foreign leagues.
One of the stalwarts of Indian domestic cricket, Naman Ojha had a 20-year-long domestic career that had seen many high points. After making his first-class debut in 2000, Ojha went on to play 146 first-class games, in which he scored 9753 runs at an average of 41.67, scoring 22 centuries and 55 fifties.
“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 a wonderful phase of my life,” Ojha said on Monday.
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“I am grateful to all who supported me in achieving my 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.”
Following an incredible domestic season and a 97 in the Challenger Trophy in 2008, Ojha attracted bids from Rajasthan Royals after which he went on to represent Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His stints resulted in a call-up to the ODI and T20I side for the series against Zimbabwe and he made his Test debut in 2015 against Sri Lanka.
“In a short time, I can not single out the individual efforts but everyone who has helped me – right from inculcating love and passion for the game, coaching me throughout different stages of career, counseling and guiding me in tough times, and all contributions just to push me and make me a better player on each day of my career.
“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.
“I cannot miss mentioning the support of my parents, wife, relatives, and friends. Their role in shaping my career in cricket as also my character as a human being is priceless. I realise the sacrifices on their part, the challenges they countered just to help me focus on cricket.
“I am indebted to each one of them for their good deeds and hard work for me. The Role of MPCA, BCCI, my cricket clubs, and media in my life is very significant. I am very fortunate to receive support from everyone throughout my career. I express my sincere thanks to all.”
Ojha open to offers from foreign leagues
Ojha, who holds the record for most dismissals behind the stumps, however, stated that he is open to playing in foreign leagues and do whatever he can to give back to the game.
“I have had a wonderful time on the field. My unfulfilled dream of winning the Ranji Trophy for my state shall pinch me forever. But I see great potential in new generation cricketers who can achieve this with triumphant performances. I wish them the best to take forward the game with ethics, dignity, diligence, commitment, pride, and most important – sportsmanship.
“While I leave the competitive format of the game for my State and Country with best of memories, I shall be keen to wear the gloves and face the ball in global competitions. Cricket has given me the best of almost everything in my life till date. In future, I shall strive hard to return back to this beautiful game to the best of my abilities.”