Biplab Samantray

Cuttack/Bhubaneswar, Feb. 19: Swashbuckling all-rounder from Odisha Biplab Samantray is the latest inclusion in the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting from April 1.

Biplab has been signed by the Hyderabad-based franchise, Deccan Chargers, for Rs 30 lakh for one season. The team is slated to play against Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Night Riders at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on April 19 and 22, respectively.

A popular face in the domestic circuit, Biplab had created a big impression in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy and his useful knock of 41 runs in the final helped East Zone clinch the title for the first time.

“The officials of the Deccan Chargers team had contacted me during a Duleep Trophy match and after discussions with the Odisha Cricket Association, I signed the IPL contract,” Biplab told The Telegraph over phone from Calcutta.

“I am looking forward to playing in the IPL and this would be a great opportunity for me to catch the attention of the national selectors. I would do my best to prove my mettle,” gushed a confident Biplab.

The association authorities are elated over Biplab’s inclusion in the IPL.

“We had recommended the names of four players — Nataraj Behera, Paresh Patel, Biplab Samantray and Deepak Behera — to the Deccan Chargers team and we are very happy that they have selected Biplab,” said secretary of the association Ashirbad Behera. He said opportunities such as this would encourage the budding cricketers to perform well in domestic cricket.

Biplab’s family members have gone in a celebration mode. They have been flooded with congratulatory messages, blessings and bouquets.

“We are overjoyed and proud of Biplab’s achievement. To be honest, we had been expecting that he would get a chance to play at such a level because of his consistent all-round performance. God has rewarded him and I pray He will watch over my son,” said Biplab’s mother, Bijaylaxmi Samantray.