Naman Ojha speaks about his chances of a Test recall

Wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha may have fallen out of favour with the Indian selectors since Wriddhiman Saha grabbed his opportunity in the Test team. However, the 32-year old revealed to NDTV Sports that he was working hard on his game and was looking to stage a comeback into the Indian team.

Hoping to get picked for India’s next Test series, Ojha enthused, “You need to keep performing, you need to follow certain standards and I think last two-three years, I have achieved that, scoring runs in Australia, scoring runs in Duleep trpohy, double hundreds and hundreds.

“So, I think that is the best thing when you are (at) the top of your game and that’s the best thing and then play for India.”

When enquired about what keeps him motivated despite the setbacks in his career, the Ujjain-born cricketer smilingly replied, “Play for India, that monogram.”

Ojha’s only Test appearance came against Sri Lanka in the final Test of the series which India eventually won 2-1. He chipped in with a couple of useful cameos in both innings of the match and his glove-work was also neat.

Playing Test cricket is the best feeling: Ojha

Speaking about the experience of playing at the highest level for his country, the Madhya Pradesh batsman said, “Yes, of course, I think it was the best moment of my life. I think everybody dreams to play for India and I think playing a Test match you need a skill.

“You need good skills, you need hard-work, discipline. You need everything which is required to play cricket and I think playing Test cricket is the best feeling.”

Ojha was meeting the press on the sidelines of the DY Patil Twenty20 tournament and was reasonably confident of making it to the team for the tour to the Caribbean.

He implied, “See, I have. My job is to perform. After that, I came again in the domestic circuit and performed in the domestic season, I am hoping things will fall (in place).”

But, Wriddhiman Saha is considered as the favourite to be selected as the premier gloveman for the 4-Test tour. Naman claimed that he enjoys a healthy rivalry with the Bengal wicket-keeper.

Ojha asserted, “We have a healthy rivalry, I got my chance and I did really well, my job is to whenever I get chance, I want to do well. That is what my focus is.”

The Indian Test team’s next assignment comes in July when they are scheduled to travel to the West Indies. However, there could be a one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Harare before the long sojourn.