Raju’s role

“Actually I have matured a lot between the last IPL and this IPL and that is showing in my bowling now. I am able to react better to different situations,” he says.

Ojha acknowledges the role senior Hyderabad spinner Venkatapathy Raju has played in shaping his career. “He has been my role model and has been extremely helpful. Before I leave for any tour, he talks to me on how I should approach the trip, what difficulties I might face. He taught me the importance of the stock ball and how to use variations to pick up wickets.”

Ojha’s success in the IPL makes him an obvious candidate for India’s World T20 squad but he’s not thinking about that yet. “I was very pleased when I found myself in the T20 probables. If I keep bowling the way I am, I could get a look into the final list as well, but right now I am focussing only on the IPL and helping the Chargers extend their winning streak,” he says.

After Saturday night’s efforts, Ojha made sure he obliged every autograph and photograph hunter in the crowd around him, even as Laxman and Gilchrist looked on from a distance. These were his five minutes of fame, but for now, he seems intent on extending his time in the spotlight.