Introduction
Basant Mohanty, born on July 4, 1984, in Cuttack, Odisha, is one of the most consistent and effective medium-fast bowlers in Indian domestic cricket. Despite his significant contributions and impressive statistics in the Ranji Trophy, Mohanty never had the opportunity to represent India on the international stage. This blog explores his career, achievements, and the reasons behind his absence from the national team.
Records and Key Performances
Basant Mohanty's first-class career has been marked by his ability to deliver consistent performances:
Matches: 105
Wickets: 403
Bowling Average: 20.97
Best Bowling Figures: 7/27
Five-Wicket Hauls: 23
Ten-Wicket Hauls: 3
Some of his standout performances include:
7/27 against Punjab: A spell that helped Odisha secure a crucial victory.
5/23 in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy: Where he was the leading wicket-taker for Odisha with 44 dismissals in eight matches.
Why Did Basant Mohanty Never Get a Chance for Team India?
Despite his impressive records, several factors contributed to Mohanty not getting a chance to play for India:
Injury Concerns: His career has been marred by injuries that have often kept him out of action.
Competition: The presence of more high-profile fast bowlers in the Indian team during his prime years.
Selection Bias: There is often a bias towards players from more prominent cricketing states, which can overshadow talent from less prominent regions like Odisha.
Full Stats of His Entire Career
First-Class (FC):
Matches: 105
Wickets: 403
Bowling Average: 20.97
Best Bowling: 7/27
Five-Wicket Hauls: 23
Ten-Wicket Hauls: 3
List A:
Matches: 31
Wickets: 43
Bowling Average: 24.55
Best Bowling: 5/23
Five-Wicket Hauls: 1
T20:
Matches: 21
Wickets: 20
Bowling Average: 26.10
Best Bowling: 3/20
Other Great First-Class Cricketers Who Never Played for India
Rajinder Goel: Despite taking 750 wickets in first-class cricket, Goel never played an official Test match for India.
Padmakar Shivalkar: Another left-arm spinner who took 589 first-class wickets but never got a national call-up due to the presence of the famous spin quartet.
What Kind of Bowler Was He?
Basant Mohanty was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and his exceptional control over line and length. His bowling style was not about raw pace but precision and movement off the pitch. This made him particularly effective in the longer format of the game where patience and consistency are key.
Why Do Players Who Perform in First-Class Cricket Not Get a Chance to Play for the Country?
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
High Competition: The national team spots are highly competitive, with many talented players vying for a few positions.
Selection Policies: Selectors often prioritize players from more successful and visible teams.
Injuries: Frequent injuries can derail a promising career.
Timing: Players may peak when the national team already has established players in their roles.
Conclusion
Basant Mohanty's career is a testament to his skill, dedication, and resilience. Despite never making it to the Indian national team, his contributions to domestic cricket, especially for Odisha, have been invaluable. His story is a poignant reminder of the many talented cricketers who enrich the game without ever stepping onto the international stage.