Debashish Mohanty, a former Indian fast bowler and national selector, has been appointed as the coach of the Nagaland senior men’s cricket team ahead of the upcoming domestic season. The Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) confirmed the appointment, highlighting their desire to bring in a former India cricketer with extensive experience to guide the team’s growth.
Mohanty, known for his fiery pace and impressive international career spanning two Test matches and 45 ODIs, has previously coached several domestic teams, including his home state of Odisha. He later served as a national junior selector before ascending to the senior selection panel.
The NCA is optimistic about Mohanty’s impact on the team, citing the team’s significant growth in recent years. The appointment of Mohanty as head coach is complemented by the inclusion of Swapnil Asnodkar as the batting coach. Asnodkar, a seasoned domestic batter and former Goa captain, brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the U-23 coach for Goa. His notable performance in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing the Rajasthan Royals, further strengthens his credentials.
In addition to the new coaching appointments, the NCA has secured the services of three professional players for the season: Karnataka cricketers J. Suchith and Dega Nischal, and Rajasthan’s Chetan Bist. The upcoming season will see the Nagaland Cricket Stadium and Sovima Cricket ground hosting BCCI-affiliated fixtures. The NCA’s strategic moves, including the appointment of experienced coaches and the addition of professional players, signify their commitment to building a competitive and successful team.
