Pragyan Ojha
A crafty left-arm spinner who became Muttiah Muralitharan's historic 800th Test wicket, etching his name into cricket lore.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Former Indian cricketer·Birthday: September 5·Millennials
Biography
Pragyan Ojha emerged from Hyderabad as a classical left-arm orthodox spinner, his flight and guile offering a throwback to a purer form of slow bowling. His Test career, though not lengthy, was punctuated by significant moments, most notably the delivery that made him the 800th and final Test victim of Sri Lankan wizard Muttiah Muralitharan—a curious and lasting footnote in cricket history. Ojha was a key component in India's 2010 Asia Cup triumph, providing control and crucial breakthroughs in the limited-overs arena. His statistical quirk—taking more Test wickets (113) than he scored runs (89)—underscores his singular focus as a bowler. After retirement, he transitioned smoothly into cricket administration, now serving as a national selector, where his sharp eye for spin talent shapes the future of Indian cricket.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Pragyan was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Pragyan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Pragyan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Took 113 wickets in 24 Test matches for India, including five 5-wicket hauls.
- Was a member of the Indian squad that won the 2010 Asia Cup.
- Became the 800th and final Test wicket of legendary bowler Muttiah Muralitharan.
- Currently serves as a member of the senior men's national selection committee for Indian cricket.
Did You Know?
He is one of the few Test cricketers in history to have taken more wickets than he scored runs.
He made his first-class debut for Hyderabad at the age of 17.
His best Test bowling figures of 6/47 came against West Indies in Mumbai in 2013.
“I will always remember the ball that spun from my hand to take that 800th wicket.”
