When you think of Indian cricket, states like Mumbai, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu often come to mind as the powerhouses that have produced numerous international stars. However, the eastern state of Odisha has also made significant contributions to Indian cricket over the years. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most prominent cricketers from Odisha who have made a name for themselves on the national and international stage.
Debashish Mohanty
One of the earliest Odisha cricketers to make it big was Debashish Mohanty. Born in Bhubaneswar in 1976, Mohanty was a right-arm medium pacer who relied on his ability to generate movement off the pitch. He first caught the eye of the national selectors with his performances for the India A team, and was soon drafted into the senior side.
Mohanty’s international career spanned from 1997 to 2001, during which he played 2 Tests and 45 ODIs for India. His best performances came in English conditions, where his ability to swing the ball proved to be a handful for batsmen. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Being part of the Indian squad that won the 1998 Sahara Cup against Pakistan in Toronto
- Picking up 29 wickets at an average of 24.41 in 17 ODIs between 1999-2000, climbing into the top 20 of the ICC ODI rankings
- Taking 10/46 in a first-class match for East Zone against South Zone in 2000-01, achieving the rare feat of claiming all 10 wickets in an innings
After his playing days, Mohanty took up coaching and has been involved with the Odisha Ranji team in various capacities. He also served as a national selector for the Indian team in 2020.
Shiv Sunder Das
If Debashish Mohanty was the pioneer, Shiv Sunder Das was the one who really put Odisha cricket on the map. A right-handed opening batsman, Das was known for his sound technique and impeccable judgment of the off stump. He made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2000 and went on to play 23 matches for India over the next two years.
Das’ finest moment in international cricket came during India’s tour of Zimbabwe in 2001, where he scored back-to-back centuries in Bulawayo and Harare. His performances earned him the Man of the Series award, and he remains the only Odisha cricketer till date to score a century for India in Tests.
Here’s a look at Das’ international career in numbers:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 23 | 1326 | 34.89 | 2 | 9 |
| ODIs | 4 | 39 | 13.00 | 0 | 0 |
Despite a promising start, Das’ international career fizzled out after a poor tour of England in 2002. He continued to play domestic cricket for Odisha till 2012, finishing with an impressive tally of 10,908 first-class runs at an average of 38.68, including 24 centuries.
In recent years, Das has taken up coaching and has been involved with the Indian women’s cricket team as a batting coach. He has also served as the coach of the Odisha and Manipur Ranji teams.
Pragyan Ojha
The most successful Odisha cricketer in recent times has undoubtedly been Pragyan Ojha. A left-arm spinner, Ojha burst onto the scene in the late 2000s and quickly established himself as one of India’s premier spinners in all three formats.
Ojha made his international debut in 2008 and went on to play 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and 6 T20Is for India over the next five years. His finest hour came during India’s home series against West Indies in 2011, where he picked up 20 wickets in three Tests at an average of 22.50. He formed a formidable spin partnership with R Ashwin during this period, and the duo played a key role in India’s rise to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings.
Here’s a look at Ojha’s international record:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 24 | 113 | 30.26 | 7 | 1 |
| ODIs | 18 | 21 | 40.47 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 6 | 10 | 12.10 | 0 | 0 |
Ojha was also a key member of the Deccan Chargers team that won the IPL title in 2009, picking up 18 wickets in the tournament. He later played for Mumbai Indians and was part of their victorious campaigns in 2013 and 2015.
However, Ojha’s career took a hit when his bowling action was reported as suspect in 2014. He underwent remedial work on his action and was eventually cleared to bowl again, but he was never quite the same force as before. He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2020.
Other Notable Names
While Mohanty, Das, and Ojha are the most well-known cricketers from Odisha, there have been several others who have made significant contributions to the state’s cricketing history. Here are a few names worth mentioning:
- Ranjib Biswal: A right-handed batsman and off-spinner, Biswal played 41 first-class matches for Odisha between 1988 and 2003. He was also a part of the Indian team that won the Under-19 World Cup in 1989.
- Rashmi Parida: A right-handed batsman, Parida was a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket, finishing with 7,645 runs in 139 first-class matches at an average of 41.67. He was a key member of the East Zone team that won the Duleep Trophy in 2001-02.
- Biplab Samantray: An all-rounder who bowled right-arm medium pace, Samantray played 62 first-class matches for Odisha between 2004 and 2018. He scored 3,403 runs at an average of 35.08 and picked up 116 wickets at 30.27.
- Basant Mohanty: A left-arm spinner, Mohanty played 45 first-class matches for Odisha between 2007 and 2020. He picked up 134 wickets at an average of 30.44, with a best of 7/39.
The Road Ahead
While Odisha has produced some fine cricketers over the years, the state still has a long way to go before it can be considered a powerhouse in Indian cricket. The Odisha Cricket Association has been taking steps to improve the infrastructure and facilities for the sport in the state, but more needs to be done to nurture young talent and provide them with opportunities to showcase their skills at the highest level.
One positive development in recent years has been the emergence of the Odisha Premier League (OPL), a T20 tournament featuring teams from different parts of the state. The OPL has provided a platform for young Odisha cricketers to rub shoulders with established stars and gain exposure to high-pressure situations.
The Odisha cricket team has also been performing well in domestic competitions of late, reaching the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy in 2016-17 and 2019-20. With a talented crop of young players coming through the ranks, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of Odisha cricket.
Conclusion
From Debashish Mohanty to Pragyan Ojha, Odisha has produced some fine cricketers who have made a mark on the Indian cricket scene. While the state may not have the same cricketing pedigree as some of the other powerhouses, it has shown that it has the talent and the potential to compete with the best in the country.
As we look to the future, it is important that the Odisha Cricket Association and other stakeholders continue to invest in grassroots development and provide young cricketers with the support and resources they need to succeed. With the right approach and mindset, there is no reason why Odisha cannot become a major force in Indian cricket in the years to come.
So the next time you hear about a rising star from Odisha, don’t be surprised. The state has a rich cricketing history and a bright future ahead of it. Here’s hoping that we see many more Mohantys, Dases, and Ojhas emerge from the land of temples and make their mark on the world stage.
