22-Apr-2008 90
Orissa`s first Test cricketer Debasis Mohanty is all set to start a new innings of his life by tying the nuptial knot with Sambalpur lass Ritimukta Das tomorrow.
The marriage will be solemnized at the Marwadi Panchayat Dharmasala in Sambalpur. It will be followed by a grand reception at Nicco Park in Bhubaneswar on April 30. Over 2,500 fans, friends and well wishers, including celebrities from different fields are expected to join the party. But with the IPL in full swing only a few start cricketers are expected to attend, though Mohanty has invited many.
Eldest daughter of eminent tax consultant Motilal Dash, Ritimukta (22) is currently doing her post graduation in Economics at Sambalpur University, Jyotivihar. Her hobbies include English literature, debate and a bit of sports.
Both the families say that it is an arranged marriage. But sources close to the duo`s friends maintain that Deba and Riti were earlier known to each other through internet. After marriage, Mohanty, 31, would leave for England next month, accompanied by his wife to play league cricket there.
In his four-year-long (1997-2001) international career, Mohanty bagged four wickets in two Tests and 57 victims in 45 one-day internationals. Known for his swing and control, the tall medium pacer, needs three matches to complete his century in first-class cricket. In 97 matches Mohanty has secured 355 wickets with 10 for 46 as his best bowling figures in an innings (Duleep Trophy).
Though out of the international reckoning for around seven years, Mohanty continues to play first-class cricket, delivering consistent performance. Besides maintaining his swing and control, Mohanty, in the meantime, has brought noticeable improvement in his batting.
