CUTTACK 07-Jul-2007 87
The National selectors have presented a sweet surprise for Orissa allrounder Niranjan Behera. The inclusion of Behera in the list of 30 Indian probables for the inaugural Twenty20 Cricket World Cup in South Africa has raised fresh hopes for the State to regain its place in the international map.
Between 1997 and 2002, Orissa saw a glorious period with three of its cricketers — Debasis Mohanty, Sanjay Raul and Shiv Sundar Das — playing either Test or ODI. Then it languished in the national firmament, slipping from Elite to Plate division in the Ranji Trophy Championship.
But the national selectors’ preference for youth and consistency has fetched Orissa a chance to add another international to its rank. A right-hand middler-order batsman and right-arm spinner, 24-year-old Behera secured a berth among the probables on the basis of one major factor — consistency.
The Cuttack-based all-rounder’s assuring performace in the Ranji this season, particularly in the inaugural National Twenty20 championship, is believed to have tilted the scale in his favour. Behera’s role also helped Orissa return to the Elite Ranji league after a gap of three years.
In Ranji Trophy, he notched up 515 runs in seven matches and over 200 runs in the Twenty20 meet. Bowling both off-break and leg-break, he had a 20-wicket haul.
According to Pradip Chouhan, secretary of Behera’s home club Union Sporting, his batting success against spinners and economy rate in bowling must have impressed the selectors. ``He deserved a place among the probables and should be included in the list of final 15,’’ felt Chauhan.
An employee of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Behera’s first class career record reads: 24 matches, 35 innings, 4 not outs, 1,000 runs, 97 as highest; 1935 balls, 407 runs, 22 wickets and 4 for 16 as the best bowling performance.
He came to limelight with his impressive performance in national under-19 tournament, scoring three centuries in a season. Now in Delhi, Niranjan admitted his selection as a surprise but expressed confidence that he would justify the selectors’ decision if given a chance to represent India in the Twenty20 World Cup.
State Cricket Association secretary Asirbad Behera described Niranjan’s selection as a boost for Orissa cricket and assured all support for the unassuming player to ensure his place in the final squad.
