``The feeling is absolutely great,'' Mohanty said before breaking into a grin. ``Deep inside I was still expectant after reading press reports. But the selection has come as a bolt from the blue.''

Said a bubbly Mohanty who heard the news on television: ``After not finding myself in the 19-member pruned squad, I felt a bit let down, but was sure of staging a comeback. It has become possible by the grace of the Almighty. The blessings of my parents, the good wishes of my friends and the people of Orissa have helped my cause,'' he told The Indian Express, minutes after the news broke.

Mohanty admitted being tense over the last couple of days as a section of the press had raised the possibility of his making it to the World Cup squad.``It is over. Now I am a relieved man,'' he said as a large number of well-wishers and friends thronged his residence here on hearing about his selection. The telephone rang incessantly as congratulatory messages from all over the country poured in.

Speaking about India's chances in the World Cup, he stressed the would certainly make it to the semifinals. ``Thereafter, a lot depends on luck and the team's performance on the given day.''

His father, Sarbeswar Mohanty, a section officer in the State Government's Women and Child Welfare department, said he was expecting his son's recall. ``He had been unnecessarily ignored and he had to make a comeback. No doubt it is a miraculous happening''

Debasis' mother, Manjula, said: ``After being left out from the 19-member shortlist, I was not very hopeful. Lord Jagannath has worked a lot of wonders and this (the selection) is one among them.''