Pragyan Ojha relieved to be back in the ODI team

Comeback man Pragyan Ojha is more "relieved" than "happy" after making the cut in the 15-member squad for the five-match ODI and T20 series against Sri Lanka, starting on July 21.

"Obviously, there is a sense of relief that I am back in the ODI scheme of things. Who isn't happy to wear the India jersey? I have been working very hard. I would like to let my performance do the talking for me. My aim is to perform consistently and play in all three formats for a long time," Ojha told PTI on Wednesday.

The left-arm spinner incidentally played last of his 16 ODIs back in August 2010, in Dambulla.

"The new season starts with this tour. Irrespective of the format, if you hit form early, it helps you to carry on with the momentum," the 25-year-old said.

He has played some club matches in Chennai for his employers Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and has been training hard with the Hyderabad Ranji team.

Asked if he is game for trying out any new variation just like spin-partner Ravichandran Ashwin's carrom ball, Ojha answered, "I have been trying out a few variations in the nets."

"But I would only try bowling those deliveries once I am fully confident about using those deliveries in match situations," he said.

Ojha has always bowled well with Ashwin operating from the other end and would be happy if he gets a chance to bowl in tandem with the burly Tamil Nadu offie.

"Me and Ashwin have played against each other and together (for South Zone) since our U-16 days. When a quality bowler like Ashwin operates from the other end, you also get confidence and can up the ante."