Naman Ojha to join Rajasthan Royals

Naman Ojha, wicketkeeper-batsman of Madhya Pradesh, has been contracted to play for Rajasthan Royals in the second season of Indian Premier League (IPL).

Ojha, the first player from Madhya Pradesh to join the cash-rich event, has signed a one-year contract with the champions for the second season of the Twenty20 league tournament, which begins on April 10.

"I have signed a one year contract with Rajasthan Royals and will join the team in last week of March or first week of April," the Indore-based cricketer said.

"Rajasthan Royals first approached me in August 2008 and since then talks were going on to include me the squad," he said.

Born in a banker's family in Ujjain, the 26-year-old started his first-class cricket career in 2000-01.

Ojha is optimistic of being included in the playing eleven for the Rajasthan Royals, which will miss Pakistan's Kamran Akmal.

Ojha lauded the role of former Madhya Pradesh cricketer Sanjay Jagdale in promoting sporting talents in the state and attributed his selection to him.