Surprised and disappointed at being ignored for next month's Sri Lanka tri-series and the Champions Trophy, Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha said he would come back better and stronger.
Though a regular member of the national squad, Ojha never figured in the playing XI during India's tour of New Zealand and West Indies.
The left-arm spinner, who last played a one-day in February in the Sri Lanka series this year, was dropped for next month's tri-series and ICC Champions Trophy as the selectors for leg-spinner Amit Mishra.
Disappointed, Ojha, now in Chennai to represent Hyderabad in Buchi Babu Trophy, said it's part of any cricketer's life.
"Obviously, nobody expects to be dropped from the side. I was hopeful of retaining my place in the tri-series and Champions Trophy as I had done well. For a cricketer, it's (getting dropped) is nothing new," Ojha told PTI from Chennai.
"I am positive, mentally stronger now. I am determined to make a comeback in a better way. I will analyse what went wrong and rectify a few things in my aim to become a better batsman, bowler, fielder. I want to be a better cricketer now," the left-arm spinner, who hails from Orissa, said.
Ojha, who will turn 23 on September 5, further said he is young enough to make a comeback.
Asked whether a comeback is tougher than a debut, he said, "There is nothing like it. It all depends on the individual and how you take it. I've nothing to prove now. I just want to perform the way I have been doing and I will again be in the side."
"My parents and friends are supportive. Especially my parents are standing by me when the news trickled in. It was obviously disappointing but I am taking this as a challenge," he said.
Ojha, who will represent BPCL in the inaugural BCCIs Inter-Corporate Trophy in the first week of September, said his hands are full at the moment.
"There is nothing to be sad. After this (Buchi Babu), we have the Corporate tournament then I will get busy for Deccan Chargers in the Twenty20 Champions League. Then, of course, we have Ranji season coming up. I've plenty of tournaments ahead. If I do well, I will again be back in the side," he said.
