Naman Ojha retires from all forms of domestic cricket

INDORE: Not wanting to be deemed as a ‘backup’, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha declared his retirement from all formats of dmoestic cricket. However, the 37-year-old is open to playing in global matches, especially the T20 format.
“I had been playing for such long time. They look at me as a back-up. I like playing. Money is good for financial aspect. But, I don’t like back-ups,” said Ojha who finished with 7,861 runs under his name in the Ranji Trophy domestic circuit.
He touched the ground to pay reverence before declaring his retirement from the domestic circuit.
Speaking with the reporters, he said many teams had been chasing him for the last couple of months. He said he had declined three to four offers from different teams due to various reasons including Covid-19. He also said that since his children are small, accepting the offer would mean his absence for six to eight months.
“One cannot play for life and if not now, this announcement would’ve come next year as my back is not supporting me for longer format. I took this decision so that I remain eligible for the global matches which are of shorter format,” said the wicketkeeper batsman who took this decision after consulting his mentor Sanjay Jagdale and family.
Ojha, who claims to have learnt from his favourite Sachin Tendulkar and copied his style, recounted getting test cap from Virat Kohli as his most memorable moments of cricket journey. Despite never getting another chance for test match, he claimed to have enjoyed that sole experience.
“Initially, Shane Warne didn’t like me but when I started playing he starting liking me and I had good time with him in IPL,” said Ojha.
“There is no substitute for devotion and dedication,” said Ojha whose 351 dismissals as wicketkeeper in the Ranji Trophy is the highest in the tournament’s history.