In a tale that transcends the boundaries of sound and silence, Odisha’s Santosh Kumar Mohapatra, a resilient deaf cricketer from the coal-rich town of Talcher in Angul district, has once again etched his name in the annals of Indian sports. The 28-year-old all-rounder has been named in the 16-member Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) squad for the upcoming tour of the United Arab Emirates, marking yet another milestone in his meteoric rise from local pitches to the international stage.
Mohapatra’s selection, announced by the IDCA on November 2025, comes on the heels of a stellar year where he emerged as the “run-machine” of the Indian Deaf team. In the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, he amassed 325 runs at an astonishing average of 65 and a strike rate of 83.95, including a breathtaking maiden century that lit up the Delhi skies. His inclusion in the UAE-bound squad underscores not just his batting prowess but also his versatile contributions with the ball and in the field—a true all-round package that has captains dreaming.
Hailing from a modest family in Talcher, Mohapatra’s tryst with cricket began amid the challenges of hearing impairment. Born deaf, he found solace and strength on the dusty grounds of his hometown, where the crack of the bat became his unspoken language.
Mohapatra credits his early mentors at the Odisha Deaf Cricket Association (ODCA) for nurturing his raw talent.
“Cricket isn’t just a game for me; it’s my voice, my fight, and my celebration of life,” Mohapatra conveyed through sign language interpreter during a recent felicitation event in Cuttack, his eyes sparkling with the quiet fire of determination.
His journey to the national colors has been nothing short of inspirational. Selected for his debut international call-up in November 2024 for the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, Mohapatra quickly became a fan favorite.
The UAE tour, scheduled to kick off later this month, pits India against a formidable host side in a three-match T20I series, followed by ODIs. It’s a crucial platform for the hearing-impaired athletes to shine under the global spotlight, as the IDCA continues its mission to promote deaf cricket in collaboration with the Deaf International Cricket Council (DICC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). IDCA President Sumit Jain hailed Mohapatra’s selection as a “beacon of hope.” “Santosh embodies the unyielding spirit of our players. His performances aren’t just stats; they’re statements of equality and excellence. We’re proud to see Odisha’s son leading the charge,” Jain said in a statement.
Back home, the news has sparked jubilation. The ODCA, affiliated with the IDCA, organized a rousing welcome for Mohapatra and Nanda upon their return from the March 2025 series, with crowds chanting his name at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. Odisha Chief Minister’s Office and the Department of Sports and Youth Services extended their congratulations, emphasizing the state’s commitment to differently-abled sports. “From Talcher’s fields to UAE’s floodlights, Santosh’s story reminds us that barriers are meant to be broken,” tweeted Odisha Sports Minister on X, amplifying the pride across the state.
As Mohapatra packs his bags for Dubai, his message to aspiring young cricketers—especially those with disabilities—is clear and profound: “Dream big, practice harder, and let your bat do the talking.” In a world often divided by differences, this silent sentinel from Odisha is scripting a symphony of success, one boundary at a time. India watches with bated breath—and thundering applause—as he steps out to conquer yet another horizon
