'Our friendship goes way beyond cricket pitch'- Rohit Sharma posts a heartfelt message for Pragyan Ojha on the latter's retirement

Former Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha announced his retirement from competitive cricket via a statement on Twitter and since then wishes have tailored for the southpaw. Ojha, who made his debut in 2008 last played for India back in 2013. Since then, even though he fell out of national reckoning, the left-hander continued to ply his trade in domestic cricket and the IPL.

Incidentally, Ojha’s last game was Sachin Tendulkar‘s farewell Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in November 2013. And, not many people would remember that the off-spinner claimed a ten-wicket-haul in that game.

Rohit Sharma, who made his Test debut in what turned out to be Ojha’s last series took to Twitter to congratulate his former teammate.

“Oh, what a pleasure it has been to share some exciting memories whilst playing for India and Mumbai Indians. Our friendship goes way beyond the cricket pitch. I look forward to seeing you on the other side and passing on some knowledge to the next generation. @pragyanojha,” Sharma tweeted.

Ojhi, what a pleasure it has been to share some exciting memories whilst playing for India and Mumbai Indians. Our friendship goes way beyond the cricket pitch. Look forward to seeing you on the other side and passing on some knowledge to the next generation. 😊👍 @pragyanojha https://t.co/yQjcBD2tHy

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) February 21, 2020

Pragyan Ojha featured in 24 Tests and 18 ODIs for Team India

Rohit and Ojha have played quite a lot of cricket-not only for India but for Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League with each other. The duo was the part of the 2009 IPL-winning team– Deccan Chargers– where Ojha sizzled with 18 wickets at an average of 19.33. 

Earlier in the day, Ojha took to Twitter where in a statement he said: “It’s time I move on to the next phase of my life. The love and support of each and every individual will always remain with me and motivate me all the time.”

It’s time I move on to the next phase of my life. The love and support of each and every individual will always remain with me and motivate me all the time 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/WoK0WfnCR7

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) February 21, 2020

Ojha went to feature in  24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20Is, finishing with 144 wickets across formats. He will always be remembered for being one of two spinners in the history of the Indian Premier League to win a purple cap [2009].

“To be an Indian cricketer and represent the country at the highest level was always a dream I cherished as a youngster.

“I fall short of words to describe how fortunate I have been to have lived my dream and earned the love and respect of my fellow countrymen,” he added.