Pragyan Prayash Ojha took to cricket after being fascinated by the bat, pads and gloves used by his maternal uncle, who was a club-level player. His liking for the game took him to Saheed Sporting Club, where his bowling talent was discovered by club coach Shashank Das.
But as he grew up, Pragyan’s increasing interest for cricket became a cause of concern for his parents, especially father Maheswar Ojha.
"We were concerned because Pinku (Pragyan’s nickname) neglected his health and studies by working hard in the nets and matches. Hence, we decided to send him to Hyderabad to stay with his uncle (Chakradhar Moharana) and aunt (Gitisudha Moharana)," recalls the senior Ojha.
"But his love for the game and his hunger to excel proved us wrong. Now we feel proud and hope he continues playing cricket with the same passion he has shown since his childhood days," says Pragyan’s father.
In Hyderabad, Pragyan joined Sri Rama Krishna Vidyalaya in class VIII and soon attracted attention for his cricketing skills. He led the school to triumph in the Parley-G Inter-School Tournament.
‘‘But the talent in Pinku received the biggest boost when he came to the notice of Venkatpathy Raju. Being birds of the same feather, they developed a liking for each other,’’ reminisces Maheswar Ojha. ‘‘Raju, in fact, sharpend Pinku’s skills and encouraged him with gifts. Pinku still uses the sunglass given to him by Raju,’’ he reveals.
Another senior Hyderabad cricketer to guide Pragyan was Vijay Paul. ‘‘Pinku was a good batsman in his school days. So much so that Vijay Paul wanted him open the innings. I hope, one day Pinku will make Paul proud with his batting,’’ says the father.
After Pragyan became a full-time cricketer, his mother Bidyutlata Ojha too went to Hyderabad to help her son pursue a career in the game. Later, younger brother Pratik Pratyush too joined them in Hyderabad, leaving the father alone in Bhubaneswar. But Maheswar has no regrets.
‘‘I am prepared to do anything if that can help Pinku play better for the country,’’ he signs off.