Pragyan Ojha

Full name: Pragyan Prayash Ojha
Born: September 5, 1986, Khurda
Current age: 22 years 259 days
Major teams: India, Deccan Chargers, Hyderabad (India), India A, India Red, India Under-19s
Playing role: Bowler
Batting style: Left-hand bat
Bowling style: Slow left-arm orthodox

Profile:
Probably the frontrunner among India's upcoming left-arm spinners, Pragyan Ojha has converted the promise he showed at age-group levels to first-class level too. For good measure, he improved markedly in his second season, ending up among the top 10 bowlers by the end of the league stage of the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy, with 29 wickets at 19.89 in six games for Hyderabad. Consistent performances on a twin tour of Zimbabwe and Kenya earned him another shot with India A, against South Africa at home, and he took eight wickets in an innings victory in Delhi.

It wasn't long before Ojha earned his ODI call-up, for the tri-series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup in Pakistan, in June 2008, after a successful turn-out for the Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League. He debuted against Bangladesh and made an impact with three outfield catches and an absolute ripper of a delivery which foxed Raqibul Hasan to claim his maiden wicket. A couple of tidy performances in the Asia Cup followed which helped him win a place in the 16-man squad for the Tests against Sri Lanka.