BHUBANESWAR 27-Oct-2011 153
Former India swing bolwer Debasis Mohanty replaced former Australia all-rounder Michael Bevan as coach of Orissa Ranji Trophy team after Bevan return home to attend her ailing daughter. Bevan had agreed to coach Orissa for the 2011-12 domestic season and began his term when Orissa toured Australia in the pre-season.
He then led the team through a poor Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, where they won just one game, after which he requested permission to go home for 15 days. Orissa Cricket Association decided they did not want to have a stop-gap coach so have appointed Mohanty, who has played for Orissa since 1996-97 and has a level one coaching license.
``He (Bevan) had some family problem and wanted to fly home for 15 days. We cannot have somebody as a stop-gap coach so had to part ways,`` OCA honorary secretary Asirbad Behera said. "Mohanty has already joined the side. He is the best available option," he added.
Mohanty, 35, bagged 417 wickets in 117 first-class games he played for Orissa, and was named captain last year. He had the distinction of taking all 10 wickets in a Duleep Trophy match against South Zone. Mohanty played two Tests and 45 one-day international for India between 1997 and 2001.
``He has been associated with Orissa cricketers and knows all of them. He was the obvious choice. He has been given a contract for the whole season,`` Mr Behera stated.
According to media reports OCA, Bevan received Rs 49 lakhs for working three months and 22 days as Orissa coach. He was also provided free accommodation and hospitality during his tenure. Orissa Cricket Academy`s
technical director R Murali also quit his post after working for eight months. He was paid Rs 8 lakhs.
