Pragyan Ojha is relishing the chance to be India's front-line slow bowler during the tour of Sri Lanka.
Harbhajan's absence opens door for young spinner
Pragyan Ojha is looking forward to shouldering the responsibility of being India's front-line slow bowler during the tour of Sri Lanka.
The visitors are without Harbhajan Singh due to a hamstring injury, providing an opportunity for rookie left-arm spinners Ojha and Ravindra Jadeja to prove themselves.
India are scheduled to play five one-day internationals, starting in Dambulla on Wednesday, followed by a one-off Twenty20 fixture.
"Filling in for someone like Harbhajan is always a difficult job to do," said Ojha, 22, who has made just five previous one-day appearances.
"Harbhajan is a great bowler and he has been doing a fantastic job both in Test and one-dayers. We'll miss Bhajji for sure, but I aim to look at it positively.
Important
"It's an important series for us and I would like to pounce on every given opportunity. I'm fully committed to my job and have enough conviction to take the responsibility."
Ojha does not think Sri Lanka hold the edge over India by having Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis in their ranks.
Off-spinner Muralitharan needs only three more wickets to overtake Wasim Akram's record of 502 wickets and become the most successful bowler in one-day internationals.
Mendis, who bowls a mixed bag, has been a prolific performer for Sri Lanka since bursting onto the scene at the 2008 Asia Cup and recently became the quickest to take 50 one-day international wickets.
"We have huge respect for Murali and Mendis, but is important is to perform on the particular day," added Ojha.
"As a spinner you don't get a five-wicket haul in every match, but I think in ODIs its equally important to restrict the runs.
Confidence
"I think if you finish your spell with 30 runs and two wickets, its a fair achievement.
"I have the confidence of doing well."
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted his side would miss Harbhajan, but remains confident of doing well.
"Harbhajan has been the pick of the spinners for some time," said Dhoni.
"Whether you are bowling first or second or bowling in powerplays, he always delivers.
"We will miss him as pitches here assist the spinners.
"It is an opportunity for both Ojha and Jadeja to prove themselves."
