DURBAN, April 26: To say Pragyan Ojha is the Deccan Chargers lucky charm will be an understatement. The left-arm spinner might not be an awe-inspiring cricketer who forces reporters to spend extra time in search of adjectives. He is the quintessential professional who goes about his job in solitude. After three matches and three wins Ojha has emerged the MVP of the Chargers.

Having played a significant role in each of the wins, Ojha has reasons to be satisfied but for the 23-year-old the job has just begun. "It is obviously a great feeling but the win against Mumbai is special as they have the best side in the tournament and bowling to have done well against a strong batting order givers greater joy. They bat deep and at no point could we relax," said Ojha during a chat with this newspaper. Foxing Sachin Tendulkar into an airy drive was Ojha’s greatest moment on Saturday but more importantly he kept the pressure throughout to ensure a win.

Not a left-arm spinner in the classical mould, Ojha has been a revelation in this tournament with his guile. To mix length and trajectory is easier said than done in this format but he has managed it well. "When I came here I told myself not to spend too much time thinking. It is always better to approach a game with an open mind. There are certain things that remain the same in all formats," explained Ojha.

Before the match against Bangalore in Cape Town, Ojha spent close to an hour bowling to Rohit Sharma where he attacked his pads. The session went on till he perfected the length. It is this drive for perfection that has helped Ojha emerge among the top bowler in the tournament. "I have been talking to batsmen and trying to find out what line and length is easy for them to hit. It has helped me devise a plan to each player," explained the spinner.

Having done exceptionally well so far, the expectations will grow. Ojha is only too happy to know his captain is looking to him for wickets. "Pressure is a part of the game. My stint with the national team has taught me how to approach these situations. If you are the strike bowler in the team, there is every reason for the team to rely on you. I have spoken at length to Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh on this and their inputs have been helpful," said Ojha.

From the 12 overs Ojha has bowled in the IP,L he has six wickets for 62 runs. An economy rate of 5.16 and an average of 10.33 tells the story. With a strict off-stump line and where the length has also been carefully held back, Ojha has only allowed the batsmen to play percentage shots. "The nature of the game is such that even a good ball will be hit. Sometimes it is crucial to not recall and get on with the job quickly."

The IPL has been Ojha’s calling card. Having created a huge impression in the 2008 edition Ojha was fast-tracked into the Indian team. His consistent show now should help him seal a permanent spot in the both the Indian ODI and T20 teams.

"It would be wrong to say that IPL can get you to the team. One has to be keen in domestic cricket too. I learnt a lot by playing the Ranji and Duleep Trophy. What the IPL does is that it helps you handle pressure better," said Ojha who is running R.P. Singh close for the Purple cap.

The Chargers have already gone past their tally of wins from last year and according to Ojha, the players’ understanding each other better has been the key. Ojha is enjoying every moment of this campaign and if he can march on with the same enthusiasm, he could well be on his way to joining some prominent left-arm spinners who have done the country proud in the past.