Pragyan Ojha is among those cricket oddities who won the Player of the Match in a Test match and never got to international cricket again.
In that match, against the West Indies in Mumbai in 2013, the bowler took five wickets in both innings of the Test, which India won by an innings and 126 runs. It was the 24th test of his career. It was also the last.
Pragyan Ojha announced his retirement from international cricket two days ago. He was not interested in discussing why he was kept out in the cold after that high point of his career.
"I did go to South Africa thereafter. But there were certain factors beyond my control and I have no regrets over not being able to play a Test again in the last few years," he said.
"I am happy that I was a part of a winning team and my contribution was recognized."
Pragyan Ojha shares this dubious feat with Australia's Jason Gillespie, who too would never play another match after being awarded the Mand of the Match award in the Test against Bangladesh at Chattogram in 2006.
Jason Gillespie got the MoM award for his splendid innings of 205 not out.
"Yes, such instances are indeed rare. Jason was a great cricketer,” Ojha said.
So what next for Pragyan Ojha? The spinner said he is planning to get into commentating and see if he is permission to play in leagues outside India.
"I am exploring commentary opportunities in English and Hindi," he said.
