Pragyan Ojha -- the Step-Child of Indian Cricket?

He made his Test debut six years ago. In the time since, Pragyan Ojha claimed 113 wickets from 24 matches but could never really become a permanent part of the national side. The year is 2015 and the rather unfortunate tale continues for the 28-year-old left-arm spinner. (Terrific to See Ojha Make a Good Comeback: Dravid)

There is little doubt that competition to play for the national Indian team is indeed tough. Yet, Ojha has often risen above all else to grab the spotlight. In 2013, he claimed 10 for 89 (5 for 40 and 5 for 49) in the Mumbai Test against West Indies. He got the praise and the accolades in what was Sachin Tendulkar's farewell Test. What he didn't get though was a place in the Test XI since then. Like him or not, it may be the only instance of a bowler claiming all ten wickets and not getting a chance to play again. (Pragyan Ojha Shine in Drawn Game)

Some say that there is really not much room to take an army of spinners on foreign tours. With conditions in England, Australia and South Africa largely favouring pace and bounce, Team India's tours have usually been all about its pace battery. The slow-bowling department has mostly been manned by just one person - Ravichandran Ashwin.

Many often debate if Ashwin is really good enough to hog the scarce spot in the Indian line-up. His advocates say he has wickets and runs to back his claim. His critics highlight his proximity to captain MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings linkages. There is little doubt, either way, that the Tamil Nadu bowler has cemented his place in Team India. But where has that left other bowlers - especially one with an impressive resume like Ojha?

The Hyderabad bowler has mostly been plying his trade in first-class cricket. From 86 matches, he has a whopping 361 wickets - even if these are on spin-friendly subcontinental tracks. The journey has had its rough patches with him being suspended in December of last year for a suspect action. But his never-say-die attitude has always helped him remain in the fray. In the recent India A vs Australia A match, he once again showed his worth by claiming five wickets.

"It is really great to see him (Ojha) bowl with half sleeve T-shirt. He has taken the bull by the horn and said look I have nothing to hide and I want to bowl with a half sleeve T-shirt," said India A coach Rahul Dravid.

Ironically though, his fifer came just after India's squad for Sri Lanka was announced - one that once again brushed Ojha aside and brought in Amit Mishra to support Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh. The official reason - Lankans don't play leggis well - may have some weight but it was clear that Ojha's wait for a stamp on his passport will have to continue in the heartlands of domestic cricket.

Patience and perseverance though has always been Ojha's strengths. For a man who was inspired by Venkatpathy Raju and helped enormously by VVS Laxman, Ojha has never really come off the right cricketing path. He may not be remembered as India's best spinner but at 28, Ojha definitely has the potential to grab more headlines - given the deserved opportunities of course.