Bhubaneswar: Former India pacer and recently appointed selector of the junior national team Debashis Mohanty asserted Saturday that he will definitely raise his voice for the Odisha players provided they perform, in the selection panel.
“It’s unfortunate that very few state players are getting selected in the junior national team. I will definitely raise my voice for them. But then they have to perform consistently in the domestic level,” Debashis stated in a press conference at the Saheed Sporting Club here, Saturday.
“We have bright prospects like batsman Raghunath Malla and pacer Rajesh Mohanty. They have been recently selected for a training programme in the National Cricket Academy (NCA). There are also other talented youngsters. I will ensure that their performances are noticed,” Debashis added.
Debashis said that transition from a coach to a selector will be pretty tough. “I didn’t have any experience in coaching also, but the transition was smooth. So I think as a selector also I will learn the trade quickly by working with my experienced colleagues.”
Debashis also stated that junior panel will have to act according to Rahul Dravid’s vision. Dravid incidentally is coach of the India under-19 and A teams. “We will definitely consult him and implement his vision,” Debashis mentioned.
Debashis’s first assignment as a junior selector will be Monday at Bangalore. “I don’t know exactly about the agenda of the meeting. But we will discuss things about the upcoming Asia Cup there,” Debashis informed.
Debashis expressed hope that Odisha Ranji team will excel under the stewardship of Rashmi Ranjan Parida. “I will not be available as a full time coach. But I am ready to give any suggestion to the team if they require me at any moment,” he signed off.
Earlier Debashis was felicitated by the secretary Saheed Sporting Club Pankaj Patnaik.