India in Sri Lanka: Naman Ojha Admits He Will be Under Pressure if Selected for Colombo Test
Naman Ojha, who has been called up in to the Indian Test squad for the third Test against Sri Lanka, admitted that he will be under pressure if he makes his debut.
The injury to Wriddhiman Saha has opened the door for Naman Ojha after a long time. Ojha was called up into the squad after Saha injured his hamstring which ruled him out for the third Test against Sri Lanka. The wicketkeeper-batsman has said he would be "under pressure" to perform if he makes the playing XI in the decisive third Test against Sri Lanka starting Friday. (Naman Ojha Rates Current Period of Form as his Best)
"There is a little bit of pressure because I have got this chance after a very long time. But I am not thinking about it. I am just looking to enjoy my game and enjoy this moment," Ojha said in anticipation of his coveted Test debut. (Naman Ojha Shines for India A)
"It was an absolutely amazing feeling to be called up for this Test. It felt really good. I am preparing well, and playing against Australia-A last month was good. So I am in a good shape and fingers crossed, I will perform well," he added.
Ojha played an ODI against Sri Lanka and two T20Is in 2010 during a short limited overs tour of Zimbabwe. Since then he has been on the fringes and in recent times has been either the second or third wicketkeeper in tours.
"I played only limited overs cricket and then was dropped. I went to domestic circuit and worked hard. I kept telling myself that I needed to work hard to play well again. Most of all I needed to keep scoring runs and more runs and more runs. And I kept myself fit so when the next chance comes, I can make the most of that," said the MP stumper.
Asked if he has brought any changes in his style of keeping or batting, Ojha said that he was not trying to develop anything new.
"Whatever I am, I want to be the same player. The wicket can have turn and bounce but I love to play my shots," stated Ojha. "When playing for India A, seniors told me to just spend some time, so I was spending some time in the middle. But I think I spent too much time, usually I don't," said the keeper-batsman.
When asked if there were any specific names he looked up to, the MP keeper replied,"I used to watch Adam Gilchrist play. He was an excellent wicketkeeper and an aggressive batsman. I watched Brad Haddin in the first Ashes Test. I watched how he was keeping to the spinners and how he was moving for the fast bowlers."
Ojha admitted that he has had difficulty keeping upto spinners as it is not always easy to gauge the turn and bounce.
"In the sub-continent, it is always difficult to keep to spinners because you don't know which ball will turn or bounce. But I am working hard at it."