The Bhubaneswar-born medium pacer, Debasis Mohanty, turned out to be a handy performer for India in ODIs in the 1990s. With an open-chested action, he could generate inswing and trouble the batsmen. However, as Mohanty bowled only at medium pace, he couldn't find a regular place in the side.

In fact, After just one First-Class season, where Mohanty picked up a bagful of wickets, he was picked for the Test match against Sri Lanka at Colombo (SSC) in 1997.

However, it was the Sahara Cup played in Toronto against Pakistan in 1997 that brought the lanky medium pacer into the limelight. In a series, where Sourav Ganguly's all-round feats were praised, Mohanty shone brightly by taking a 3-for in the second ODI of that series as Pakistan capitulated to a low score. When Sri Lanka toured later that year, he had his moments in the ODI series, but was expensive.

Mohanty though, continued to find a place in the ODI side for the next couple of years. In the 1999 World Cup on tracks that offered the pacers some assistance, Mohanty was among the wickets. He was perhaps at his best in the games against Kenya and England. In particular, the early wickets he took in the crucial match against the hosts paved the way for India to qualify for Super Sixes.

After the World Cup though, Mohanty was in and out of the side and played his final OD in 2001. He only played two Tests for his country. He continued to represent Orissa with distinction until 2010.

By Bharath Ramaraj