Remember Debashish Mohanty? The First Cricketer From Odisha to Play For Indian Cricket Team

Debashish Mohanty—a name that resonates with cricket fans from the late 1990s. As the first cricketer from Odisha to don the Indian jersey, Mohanty’s journey is a remarkable tale of talent, determination, and groundbreaking achievement.

With his unique bowling action, Mohanty quickly caught the attention of selectors. His blend of pace and movement made him a formidable opponent, especially in conditions that favoured his style. Recognized by India A coach K. Srikanth, Mohanty's inclusion in the national team in 1997 marked a pivotal moment in his career.

Throughout his international journey, he boasted an impressive record, averaging under 30 with the ball in ODIs and claiming over one wicket per game. His crowning glory came during the 1999 Cricket World Cup, where he was a late addition to the squad. Partnering Venkatesh Prasad with the new ball, Mohanty emerged as India's second-highest wicket-taker, showcasing his skill on the world stage despite playing four fewer matches than the leading wicket-taker, Javagal Srinath.

From 1997 to 2001, Mohanty represented India in two Tests and 45 ODIs, taking 4 and 57 wickets respectively. He even earned a spot in the top 20 of the ICC ODI World Rankings. While the rise of Ajit Agarkar limited his opportunities, Mohanty's legacy was solidified when he took all 10 wickets in a single innings for East Zone during the 2000-2001 season—a rare and remarkable feat.

After retiring, his passion for cricket never waned. He became a dedicated coach, first for the Odisha Ranji team and later for the East Zone team. In 2006, he ventured overseas, joining Colwyn Bay Cricket Club in Wales as a club professional, balancing his cricketing commitments with a career at National Aluminium Company in Bhubaneswar.

He also served as the selector for Odisha's cricket team before being named as the national selector of the India national cricket team in 2020 along with Chetan Sharma and Abey Kuruvilla and that was his last major assignment with the Indian team.

Though he may not have received the same recognition as some contemporaries, Debashish Mohanty’s impact on Indian and Odisha cricket is undeniable, marking him as one of the sport's inspiring, yet overlooked, stars.