"Rohit Sharma said, 'Everyone wants to play for the country'"- Pragyan Ojha's sensational revelation

Former Indian spinner and commentator Pragyan Ojha has spilled the beans on the game-changing advice he received from none other than Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket captain. From 2008 to 2013, Ojha was a key player in the Indian squad, making significant contributions across the formats.

The former Indian spinner played 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and 6 T20Is for India, picking up 113, 21 wickets, and 10 wickets, respectively, in his career. He not only shared the field with Rohit during his international career but also played with the captain during their U-19 days.

Pragyan Ojha reveals Rohit Sharma's golden advice during U19 days

Ojha, reflecting on his career, recalled how Rohit’s words have changed his approach to the game. In those U19 years, when every aspiring cricketer dreams of making it big at the highest level, Rohit's advice was simple yet thoughtful, saying one has to be the game-changer to rise above.

He revealed that Rohit had said that he has to be a true matchwinner to play for a longer period for the Indian cricket team. While Ojha couldn’t get many opportunities, Rohit emerged as one of India's most successful batters and captains, thanks to his relentless drive and strategic mindset.

Pragyan Ojha was quoted as saying by Sony Sports Network: “The best advice I received was from Rohit Sharma when we were playing U19 cricket. He said, 'Everyone wants to play for the country because we have come at the U19 level. But if you want to play for India for a long time, then you need to be a match-winner.”

Pragyan Ojha picks Chris Gayle as the toughest opponent he ever bowled

Ojha named the explosive West Indies batter Chris Gayle as the toughest opponent he ever bowled to throughout his career. The former Indian spinner admitted that facing the West Indies legend, particularly in the T20 format, was a formidable challenge, but he relished the opportunity to test his skills against one of the most dangerous batters the game has ever seen.

Ojha signed off by saying, “Chris Gayle, especially in the T20 format. Because of the way in which he bats against left-arm spin and leg spin, it was difficult. I used to relish the challenge of bowling to him and used to increase my intensity. However, off the field, you know Chris Gayle is a funny person and always keeps the atmosphere light.”

Rohit Sharma in red-hot form on Sri Lanka tour

Rohit is currently on a Sri Lanka tour, where he is leading the Indian cricket team in the ongoing three-match ODI series. The senior opener has been in great form, smashing two fifties in the first two games, but the Men in Blue failed to win the matches despite being in a strong position.

India tied the first ODI and then suffered a 32-run defeat in the second ODI against Sri Lanka. The third and final ODI of the series between India and Sri Lanka will be played on Wednesday, August 7, at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.