The Forgotten Dream: Will Odisha Cricket Rise Again?
“INDIA! INDIA!” *Clap, clap, clap.* “INDIA! INDIA!” *Clap, clap, clap.*
The sound of the collective voice rises like a wave in a packed stadium, where thousands of fans chant in unison, their voices merging into a singular roar. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is in full swing, bringing with it a whirlwind of emotions, electrifying performances, and unforgettable moments. Cricket, in this country, is not just a sport; it is an undying emotion, a force that binds people across regions, religions, and languages.
Every time an Indian cricketer walks onto the field, he carries the dreams of a billion people on his shoulders. We have seen the rise of legends like Kohli, Sharma, and Tendulkar, names that have become synonymous with Indian cricket. Once, Odisha too had its share of representatives in the Indian team. Debashish Mohanty and Shib Sundar Das were names that filled the Odia community with pride. But those were different times. Today, the dream of seeing an Odia surname in the Indian squad seems distant, a flickering hope in the midst of uncertainty about the state of cricket in Odisha.
A Rich Cricketing Legacy, A Stalled Progress
Odisha has always been a land of sports enthusiasts, earning the title of ‘Sports Capital of India’ for its commitment to global sporting events and infrastructure. Yet, when it comes to cricket, the journey has been anything but smooth. The state's cricketing history dates back to 1930, with the first recorded match between a team from Cuttack and one from Calcutta. The formation of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) in 1949 laid the foundation for structured cricket in the state. Odisha debuted in the Ranji Trophy the same year, and though victories were rare in the early years, the historic 1952-53 season saw Odisha’s first-ever win against Assam.
The peak of Odisha’s cricketing achievements came in the 2000-01 season when the team reached the Ranji Trophy semi-finals. However, since then, the journey has been marred by inconsistency and missed opportunities. Despite having better infrastructure and resources compared to states like Goa, Manipur, and Sikkim, Odisha has failed to maintain a steady pipeline of players breaking into the national circuit.
Infrastructure and Initiatives: More Than Meets the Eye
On paper, Odisha seems well-equipped to produce world-class cricketers. The state boasts 41 cricket academies and modernized facilities at the Barabati Cricket Stadium, VSS Cricket Stadium, and MGM School of Sports. Additionally, efforts have been made to promote cricket in rural and tribal areas, with training centers established in Berhampur, Puri, Jajpur, and Jharsuguda. However, the ground reality tells a different story, one of untapped potential and systemic roadblocks.
Pravanjan Mullick, a former cricketer, reminisces about Odisha’s golden days in domestic cricket. “The infrastructure has improved significantly, and every district now has a stadium. But the hunger to make it big is missing. Odisha players have the talent to defeat top teams, but we struggle to push beyond a certain level,” he said.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), which has revolutionized Indian cricket, is seen as both an opportunity and a challenge. While it offers young cricketers a lucrative platform, many aspiring players are now more focused on securing an IPL contract rather than representing India. Odisha’s underwhelming performances in tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy have also made it difficult for local talents to gain recognition from IPL franchises.
The Talent Gap: Scouting, Selection, and Sponsorship Struggles
Satyajeet Sabat, an active cricketer, highlighted the role of clubs in shaping young talents. “Most cricket clubs in Cuttack are affiliated with the Odisha Cricket Association, which gives players from the city an advantage in state selection. While the situation is improving, there is still a long way to go in ensuring equal opportunities across districts,” he explained. He also pointed to a flawed talent scouting system. “There are intra-club tournaments happening, but selectors rarely watch these matches. Many deserving players go unnoticed.”
Sponsorship remains another major hurdle. Cricket is an expensive sport, and financial backing plays a crucial role in its growth. Currently, MGM is the sole sponsor of Odisha cricket, with past support from AT Housing Group. However, brands prefer investing in states like Mumbai, Delhi, and Gujarat, where cricketing success is more consistent.
Lalit Mohanty, a veteran coach, stressed the importance of discipline and all-round development. “Modern cricket demands physical and mental fitness. While T20 is the most popular format, true cricket skills are tested in longer formats. Fielding has become as crucial as batting and bowling. If Odisha wants to produce national-level players, the selection process must be transparent, and scouts should actively search for talent beyond major cities.” He also refuted the idea that Odisha needs an IPL franchise. “What we need is a fair scouting system where franchises look for hidden talents, just like Mumbai Indians discovered Kerala’s Vignesh Puthur this year.”
A Roadmap for Revival: Can Odisha Dream Again?
Cricket expert Saranjit Singh believes the absence of regular competitive tournaments is a key issue. “During our time, leather ball tournaments were frequent, ensuring ample match practice. Now, most tournaments use tennis balls, which don’t prepare players for professional cricket. The discontinuation of the Odisha Premier League (OPL) was a huge loss. In states like Karnataka and Hyderabad, teams play over 200 competitive matches a year. Bihar and Tripura have now overtaken Odisha in domestic performance,” he pointed out. Singh urges the Odisha Cricket Association to fund local clubs adequately and prioritize organizing more high-level tournaments.
The Final Innings: A Call to Action
Odisha cricket stands at a crossroads. The infrastructure exists, the talent is there, and the passion for the game runs deep. But without a structured approach to talent development, competitive exposure, and fair selection policies, the dream of an Odia cricketer making it to Team India will remain just that, a dream. The need of the hour is collective effort from players, selectors, coaches, sponsors, and the administration.
Imagine the day when the stadium erupts with chants of “INDIA! INDIA!”, celebrating an Odia cricketer’s rise to the national team. The dream is not lost; it just needs the right push to turn into reality. Until then, Odisha waits, hopeful for its next cricketing hero.
(With inputs by Sambit Subhankar Ghadei)
