Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha was approached by Sourav Ganguly to turn out for Bengal in the upcoming domestic season. The offer was so exciting that the India discard had to seek an emotional exit from Hyderabad.
"Sourav spoke to me and said they're keen on having me in the Bengal side. It was so exciting for me that I could not turn it down. The main objective was to play for an Elite team to give push to my comeback. I've got the acceptance letter (contract) and my NOC is also ready," Ojha said from Hyderabad.
He may belong to Odisha, but Ojha embraced Hyderabad since he represented them as a 14-year-old in 2001. He went on to represent India in 24 Tests and 18 ODIs.
Despite bagging 10 wickets and the Man-of-the-Match award in Sachin Tendulkar's swansong Test in Mumbai, against the West Indies in 2013, he was left out of India’s squad and then had to deal with a suspect bowling action.
Cleared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India after undergoing a rehabilitation programme earlier this year, he found his career at the crossroads as playing for Hyderabad, who were struggling in the Plate Group, would make it difficult for him to wear India jersey again.
Discussions begun during the Indian Premier League when Mumbai Indians won the final by beating Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens.
"That was the time when I was offered to play for Bengal by Sourav, and I could not turn it down," the Mumbai Indians spinner added.
The 28-year-old, who is named in the Cheteshwar Pujara-led India 'A' side for two four-day games against Australia 'A' in Chennai from July 22-August 1, said he's confident following the rehab he underwent.
"I played a Ranji match after the rehab – against Himachal -- and got four wickets. Then in Irani Cup and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, I got four each. I'm confident of doing well for Bengal. Looking forward to bowl at Eden," Ojha said.
Out of the India team for two years, he is inspired by the comeback of ace off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.
"He's been a great spinner for Indian cricket. I'm way behind him. I am just 28 and I think I still have many years of cricket left in me."