'Ordinary' Ojha writes Deccan's success script

Chennai Super Kings v Deccan Chargers, IPL, Durban

Shwe Wai

May 2, 2009

	Pragyan Ojha's bowling is an uncomplicated art © AFP

Pragyan Ojha was not the reason Deccan Chargers ended up bottom of the heap last season - that was because their superstars had gone missing - but he is a crucial factor in their topping the table in the current tournament. He is the highest wicket-taker (six wickets) among spinners in the competition, has the best economy rate (5.16), and the second-best strike rate (12.0). His success is, in fact, a window to the change in the team's fortunes.

If, last season, Deccan Chargers were a star-studded team where every big name played at Superman, this year they have thrown off their capes, returned to earth and resumed life as Clark Kent. They are, so to speak, a team of Ojhas, each playing for the other.

"No one is complaining about each other now," Ojha said on Sunday. "Sometimes it happens, you know, when you are playing and losing ... lots of differences crop up [between people]. There is nothing like that now. We are gelling well together."

Ojha points to an instance from Saturday's match, against Mumbai Indians. Sachin Tendulkar was in control of the chase at the 10-over break. "I had not bowled my first over well. I went to Laxmanbhai, Gilchrist and the coach to discuss how to bowl to him. We decided we'd make him drive to the off side. If he swept, fine, but we'd not let him cut. We had our field set for a shot over the covers; he connected well but didn't get the elevation. It was an amazing feeling for me to get Sachin."

Ojha is the kind of bowler who thrives on the captain's confidence. Adam Gilchrist understands that and is backing him up. "He is a captain who gives us lot of liberties, lets you put your own field and backs you. He knows my strengths and has told me to bowl the way I am doing now; not try too many things and, when in doubt, to fall back on senior players like him or Laxman or the coach."

Ojha's bowling is an uncomplicated art. There is no mystery ball or a standout different delivery. His success lies in the patient use of the stock ball. "I just want to stay calm and keep it simple. Especially, Twenty20 is all about a batsman just trying to hit you. My biggest strength is my flight but here [in this format] I am trying to bowl a bit quicker and use variations in pace. Mainly, though, I am just trying to keep it simple. As a spinner, more than going for wickets, if you try to restrict the batsman - not in a negative way but because it's an attacking option in this format - you can get the batsman out as he will have to try some thing different."