“You Made My Last Test Special” – Sachin Tendulkar Hails Retired Pragyan Ojha

Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. Ojha has represented India in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and six T20I since making his debut in 2008. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar heaped praise on the retiring cricketer as he parted ways with the game. 

Ojha made his international debut in 2008 in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh. His T20I debut was also against the same opponent in the following year during the World T20 where he bagged four wickets to be named man of the match. Even though he played only 18 ODIs and six T20Is in total, Ojha's success predominantly came in the longest format of the game. He made his debut against Sri Lanka at home in 2009 and went on to pick more than 100 wickets.

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Quite ironically, his last appearance for India saw him come up with a man of the match performance as he picked up ten wickets in total in India's innings win over West Indies. The game was also Sachin Tendulkar's farewell Test. Ojha finishes his Test career with 113 wickets in 24 Tests.

He also had success in the initial years of the IPL, winning the title with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers in 2009 and later again with Mumbai Indians. He also won the purple cap in the 2010 edition for picking the most number of wickets. His last IPL appearance came in 2015. Meanwhile, Pragyan Ojha's last competitive appearance came in November 2018 in a first-class game for Bihar with whom he had a very short stint. The 33-year-old has also played for Hyderabad and Bengal in the first-class circuit.

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Soon after he took to Twitter to announce his retirement, Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Ojha for a wonderful career. The Master Blaster also thanked Ojha for making his last Test special, who scalped 10 wickets in that game helping India secure a win.  

"@pragyanojha, it was always great to see your big heart & skill at work. You made my last Test special by picking 10 wickets. Welcome to the second innings club, my friend!" Sachin Tendulkar wrote in a Twitter post.