It’s more than a miracle: Mohanty

“After not finding myself in the 19-member pruned squad, I was highly disappointed and felt a bit let down, but I was sure of staging a comeback. It has become possible by the grace of the Almighty. The blessings of my parents, the good wishes of by friends and the people of Orissa has helped my cause,” he told The Indian Express, minutes after the news broke.

“My immediate aim is to find a place in the playing eleven. I know it will be difficult, but I am sure to get my chance. I will then have to perform to prove my worth.”

Mohanty admitted to being tense over the last couple of days as a section of the Press had raised the possibility of his making it to the World Cup squad. “It is over. Now I am a relieved man,” he said as a large number of well-wishers and friends thronged his residence here on hearing about his selection. The telephone rang incessantly as congratulatory messages from all over the country poured in.

Speaking about India’s chances in the World Cup, he stressed that the team would certainly make it to the semifinals. “Thereafter, a lot depends on luck and the team’s performance on the given day.”

His father, Sarbeswar Mohanty, who is a section officer in the State government’s Women and Child Welfare department, however, said he was always expecting his son’s recall. “He had been unnecessarily ignored and he had to make a comeback. No doubt it is a miraculous happening”.

Debasis’ mother, Manjula, said: “After being left out from the 19-member shortlist, I was not very hopeful. Lord Jagannath has worked a lot of wonders and this (the selection) is one among them.”