`I’m a better bowler now’

Mohanty doesn’t feel that he is doing something special. “I think it is every Indian citizen’s duty to help the soldiers who are laying down their lives for the country. I’m just doing my duty. Nothingmore. You too can do your bit, ” he told The Indian Express.

The interview started with a reference to the controversial message he was supposed to have carried in the World Cup match against Zimbabwe. “I did not carry any message. If you replay the cassette you can find I did not go to the field after the 42nd over. There definitely is no truth in that charge.” Mohanty also dismisses reports about Robin Singh’s claim that the team management was oblivious of the point system. “I don’t think Robin has said that. He has already issued a denial. At least, I didn’t have any doubts about the system.”

But Mohanty is upset by India’s premature exit rather than the controversial aftermath. “It was because of sheer bad luck rather than for lack of effort. That rain-affected match between New Zealand and Zimbabwe ruined our chances.”

Despite being applauded for his gutsy and impressive showing in England Mohanty is not too happy. “It doesn’t matter how well you perform if the team is not winning.But candidly my performance was average. I’m not elated as much as I was when I was selected for the World Cup.” The gangling medium pacer, however, was happy that his participation in the World Cup will stand him in good stead in future. “Playing against six top teams after a long break in pressure situations and that too in the World Cup… it is like a dream. The exposure to the pressure situations, the preparations before matches and the tips I received from the experts have helped me a lot. I’ve given variety to my bowling. Now I can bowl an effective inswinger. I’ve also developed a slow ball and I’m perfecting yorkers. I’m definitely a much better bowler.”

The extra bite in his bowling he ascribes to the planned training under Bob Simpson and Anshuman Gaekwad. “With almost 50 years of study in the game, Simpson has a vast knowledge. He has few peers in analysing the game. He helped sharpen my skills.”

But the 22-year-old bowler is pained to note that he is branded as a bowler good only inparticular conditions. “I played in three one-dayers in India and did well in two. Now I’m determined to prove every one wrong by doing well in sub-continental pitches as well.”

If he can do that he will have reels of ribbons to cut.

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