Pragyan Ojha: The Spinner Who Shined Bright and Made a Fortune
Pragyan Ojha, a former Indian cricketer, has a unique story in the world of cricket. Born on 5th September 1986, he was a skilled left-arm spinner who made an impact in the limited time he spent playing for India. His international cricket journey lasted only five years, from 2008 to 2013, but it was filled with memorable moments. Notably, his career coincided with the retirement of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
A Shining Moment in Sachin’s Last Match
Pragyan Ojha’s last international match came in 2013, which was also Sachin Tendulkar’s final Test match. Playing against the West Indies, Ojha delivered a brilliant performance by taking 10 wickets across both innings, earning him the Player of the Match award. However, after that, Ojha never played for India again. Despite his promising talent, that match marked the end of his international career. Though his time with the Indian cricket team ended early, his love for the sport continued to grow.
Life After Cricket and Earnings
Even though Ojha’s international cricket career was cut short, he didn’t disappear from the cricketing world. After retiring from all formats of the game in 2022, he shifted his focus to new opportunities. One of his most notable roles has been as a commentator. Pragyan Ojha’s commentary work has become his primary source of income, and he continues to be involved in the cricketing community through this role.
Apart from his commentary career, Ojha also made significant earnings during his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Reports suggest that he earned around ₹11 crore through the IPL alone. Today, his estimated net worth stands at around $5 million, which is approximately ₹40 crore. His time with the IPL and his post-retirement career have ensured he remains financially successful.
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A Successful IPL Career
Pragyan Ojha’s journey to the Indian cricket team began with the IPL. He first made a name for himself in the domestic circuit by taking 29 wickets in 6 matches during the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy season, which led to his selection for India A. But it was in the IPL where his talent truly shone. In 2008, he debuted for the Deccan Chargers alongside Rohit Sharma. That season, he took 11 wickets in 13 matches with an impressive economy rate of 7.67. Just two months later, his IPL success helped him secure a spot in India’s ODI squad.
Over the years, Ojha played for two major IPL teams. From 2008 to 2011, he was part of the Deccan Chargers, with whom he won the IPL trophy once. Then, in 2012, he joined Mumbai Indians, playing with them until 2015 and winning two more IPL trophies.
Ojha’s Impressive Career Stats
Pragyan Ojha’s overall career statistics reflect his capabilities as a spinner. In Test matches, he played 24 games and took 113 wickets, including seven five-wicket hauls. His most memorable performance came in his final Test match, where he took 10 wickets. In ODIs, he played 18 matches, taking 21 wickets with an excellent economy of 4.46. He also played six T20 Internationals and took 10 wickets.
Though his international career didn’t last long, Pragyan Ojha made the most of his opportunities. His legacy, especially in Test cricket and the IPL, continues to be remembered, and his transition to commentary ensures he remains a prominent figure in Indian cricket today.
