Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha announced his retirement from professional cricket with immediate effect on Friday. The bowler made his debut in 2008 for Team India and played professional cricket for 16 years. Despite not playing for the national side since 2013, Ojha turned out for the domestic scene till 2019.
The 33-year old last played for the Men in Blue during Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell Test match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in November 2013, where he picked up 10 wickets. In all, he turned out for 24 Tests from 2009 to 2013, picking up 113 wickets.
“It’s time I move on to the next phase of my life. The love and support of each and every individual will always remain with me and motivate me all the time,” Pragyan Ojha posted on Twitter with a long message.
“To be an Indian cricketer and represent the country at the highest level was always a dream I cherished as a youngster. “I fall short of words to describe how fortunate I have been to have lived my dream and earned the love and respect of my fellow countrymen,” he added.
Ojha achieved his highest-ever ICC Test ranking of number 5 and will be remembered as one of the two spinners to win the Purple Cap in the Indian Premier League. The player was banned from bowling in competitive cricket in December 2014 after his action was termed illegal. However, he cleared the test a month later and was allowed to resume his bowling. He made his debut for the Indian team in ODIs against Bangladesh in June 2008, and ended with 2 for 43.
He also turned out for Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians in the IPL.