Subham Chatterjee is a name that has been floating in Bengal cricket for a long now. Performances in U19 and U23 level had given him a stamp of being the "next big thing" in Bengal cricket.

But, at 29 years of age, the stylish middle-order batter from Asansol has only played one first-class match so far. After his another double ton in a knockout match for Kalighat, Subham now feels he is ready for the bigger stages. 

Subham scored 200 from 275 balls against Sporting Union to help them qualify for the quarter-finals of the First Division League Qualifier & Championship Play-offs. 

What's the secret of big scores in knockouts?

This was Subham's second double ton in a knockout match in the last three seasons. The middle-order batter always had the knack of scoring in big games for Kalighat. But what is the reason behind that? 

The answer is better preparation, Subham told Sportz Point. 

"Although I take every game as a normal one, I prepare more for a knockout match," Subham shared with Sportz Point in an exclusive interview. 

"From childhood, I knew one thing, if you perform well in a knockout game, you will get noticed. Teams sign players like us to win them big games, and I feel preparing that extra bit for a knockout game helps me do better in these kinds of matches," he added. 

Can he fill Manoj Tiwary's gap?

In the last decade, Bengal had a strong middle order comprising Manoj Tiwary, Anustup Majumdar, and Wriddhiman Saha, which made it tough for young batters like Subham to find a place in the team.

But, after the retirement of Manoj Tiwary and Wriddhiman Saha, there is a void in the batting lineup which Subham feels he can surely try to fill up. 

"There are many middle-order batters like me who are fighting for that place in the middle order. I think I am mature enough as a batter now and ready to take my game to a higher level." 

"Obviously, you can not replace a giant of the game like Manoj Tiwary. But surely, if we can help teams win, I feel we will be doing good, " Subham shared. 

Meantime, Subham knows it won't be easy for him to straightway get into the team. For that, he now only wants to focus on the controllables and do what is in his hands. 

Read Also | Bengal Ranji Team in Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more numbers

Learnings from Majumdar and Tiwary

To help him in his progress, Subham this season got the guidance of Anustup Majumdar and Manoj Tiwary, with whom he is sharing the Kalighat dressing room this season. Both the Bengal stars along with Shahbaz Nadeem signed for Kalighat to play this season, which helped him grow as a player. 

"Having both Manoj (Tiwary) da and Ruku da (Anustup Majumdar) in the dressing room helps a lot. Because, each day, you are watching them preparing for a game. And, you can learn a lot of things just by observing them." 

"Their work ethics is something I want to incorporate into my game, which I believe, surely can help me be consistent for a longer time," Subham expressed. 

Three seasons back, Kalighat was demoted to the B Group of First division cricket in Kolkata Club Cricket. From then, they not only came up the ranks but went on to win the First Division Championship as well. 

Read Also | Where Are They Now: Last Time Bengal Men's Cricket Team Won A Trophy

In the last three seasons, they have gone on to win 1 Championship trophy and became runners-up in three tournaments. In this whole journey, Subham was an integral part of the Kalighat club. 

"Kalighat made me a more mature cricketer"

Subham had joined the club as a youngster but in these vital years for the Kalighat Club, he has matured into a solid cricketer. Not only that, he also went on to lead the club as well, which was one of the most prestigious moments for the batter. 

"I have been lucky enough to see this entire progress of the club and be a part of it. I was fortunate to lead the team as well."

"These seasons have made me mature as a player, and I feel this maturity has given me composure to do well in tough games," Subham told Sportz Point.

Kalighat will face either of Aryan Club or Town Club in the quarter-final, starting from 18th April, 2025. 

Despite valiant efforts from Bengal Ranji captain Anustup Majumdar, Bhowanipur defeated Kalighat by a huge margin of 258 runs in the semi-final of the C.A.B. First Division League Championship on Saturday at J.U. Second Campus Ground in Kolkata. On the other hand, East Bengal won the Kolkata derby at the Videocon Ground by defeating Mohun Bagan by 77 runs to reach the final of the tournament. 

Bhawanipore win despite Anustup's 154

Chasing down Bhowanipur's mammoth 618-run target looked impossible from the start of the second inning for Kalighat. But when you have someone like Anustup Majumdar in your dressing room, you can hope for a miracle. But, that was not to be for Kalighat Club as despite a valiant 154 from 190 balls from the Bengal captain, Bhowanipur managed a huge 258-run win to enter the final. 

At the end of Day 2, Kalighat were at 188/2 and needed 430 runs in 552 balls to complete a historical chase. Anustup Majumdar was at the crease on 107 from 127 balls along with Subham Chatterjee, who was one of their best batters in the tournament so far. 

But, as soon as Rajkumar Pal opened the gate for Bhowanipur by dismissing Subham early on day 3, everything looked out of reach for Kalighat. Rajkumar then removed Kalighat's hero of the quarterfinal, Writam Porel, to make it a one-man battle for Kalighat. 

Arun Chaprana tried his best with his 32 off 35 balls, but Pradipta Pramanik proved to be too good for him. Pradipta then played the decisive move of the match by dismissing Anustup Majumdar on 154 to go one step closer to the final. 

Left-arm pacer Ravi Kumar then broke through the lower middle order, to make sure the defending champion would en route to defend their title in the mega final as Kalighat were bundled out for 359. Ravi Kumar with 66/4 was the pick of the bowlers for Bhowanipur along with Pradipta Pramanik, who took 3 wickets for 75. 

Abhimanyu Easwaran was named the player of the match for his 149 in the first inning. Shakir Habib Gandhi and Vivek Singh were the other centurions for them.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

East Bengal win the Kolkata derby despite Suvankar Bal's 148

In the second semi-final, Mohun Bagan were chasing East Bengal's steep 410-run target. But at 146/5 at the end of day 2, their fate depended on Suvankar Bal's bat. Bal had already crossed his fifty, but needed a good partner at the other end to support him. 

Vikas Singh did his best by building a 77-run partnership for the sixth wicket. But after Writtick Chatterjee dismissed him on 37, Bal had to build another partnership under the scorching heat at the Videocon Ground, in Kolkata. Sourav Halder then played a handy knock of 48 off 88 balls to shift the game towards Mohun Bagan a bit, with Suvankar Bal smashing bowlers from the other end. 

Bal completed his hundred in 229 balls, and with four wickets in hand, it was all about East Bengal getting his wicket or him taking Mohun Bagan over the line. But East Bengal bowler Shreyan Chakraborty did the trick for East Bengal by first breaking the partnership and dismissing Sourav Halder. 

Shreyan then picked up Anurag Tiwari's wicket to make Bal feel helpless at the other end. Rohit Kumar's run out meant Bal had no other option but to go for the biggies. Shreyan then picked up Bal's wicket to send East Bengal to the final. 

Bal's valiant 148 went in vain as Mohun Bagan lost the semi-final by 77 runs. Shreyan Chakraborty with 67/4 was the pick of the bowlers for East Bengal. Sandipan Das won the player of the match for his unbeaten 108 in the first inning. Satyaki Dutta were the other centurion for East Bengal in the match.

The final will be played at the Eden Gardens after the completion of IPL 2025.

East Bengal scored 409/9 in the first inning against arch-rival Mohun Bagan A.C. with the help of a stunning unbeaten ton from Sandipan Das on Day 2 of the C.A.B. First Division Championship semifinal. In the second semi-final, Bhowanipur have nearly thrown Kalighat away by scoring a mammoth 617/6 in the first inning as Vivek Singh scored 129 from 166 balls for them. 

East Bengal in slight favour after day 2 of Kolkata derby

The second day of the Kolkata derby in the C.A.B. First Division Championship semi-final saw many ups and downs throughout the entire day. East Bengal, who were at 310/6, were depending on former U-19 World Cup winner Sandipan Das to take them over 400. Shreyan Chakraborty did his part by building a 59-run partnership for the 7th wicket. 

But, after Shreyan's dismissal (30 off 64), all-rounders Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal and Kanishk Seth could not add much to the total. But Sandipan made sure he faced most of the deliveries and strikes at a blistering pace. The right-handed middle-order batter not only reached his hundred but also made sure that East Bengal gave Mohun Bagan a steep total to chase down in the second inning. 

East Bengal finished on 409/9 as Sandipan remained unbeaten on 108 off 236 balls. 

Suraj gave East Bengal the perfect start

In the second inning, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Bengal's highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, made sure the Red and Gold brigade got the perfect start. The right-handed pacer removed Shantanu in the first ball of the inning and looked lethal from the word go. 

Mohun Bagan were put under tremendous pressure after captain Sudip Kumar Gharami was also dismissed by Kanishk Seth for just 8. Kanishk, East Bengal's player of the match in the quarter-final, went through the defences of Bengal's white-ball captain and cleaned up his stumps. 

Vikas Singh then trapped Avilin Ghosh in front of the wicket just for 1. Avilin was Mohun Bagan's Cricketer of the Year last season and saved many games for them in this kind of situation. But, Vikas proved to be too good for him. 

Read Also | Exclusive Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal: "Jumping out" from tough times to become Bengal's star of the season

At 29/3, Mohun Bagan looked nearly out of the game, but Ranjot Singh Khaira, centurion from the quarter-final, tried to build a partnership with Suvankar Bal. But Shreyan Chakraborty went through his defence with his left-arm spin to send him back to the dressing room after a good-looking 45 off 68 balls. 

Gitansh Khera was also cleaned up by Vikas Singh on 19. Suvankar Bal, meanwhile, completed his well-paced fifty and is the lone batter at the crease for Mohun Bagan at the end of Day 2. Though Mohun Bagan's tail is totally capable of hitting the ball long, at 146/5, Mohun Bagan's fate will be decided on Suvankar Bal's bat on the final day of the match. 

Mohun Bagan now require 264 runs in 522 balls, while East Bengal need five wickets to qualify for the final.

Read Also |

Bhowanipur cruising, Anustup fighting a battle for Kalighat

In the second semi-final at the J.U. 2nd Campus Ground in Salt Lake, Bhowanipur cruised to a mammoth 617/6 in the first inning after Vivek Singh became the third centurion from the defending champion after Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shakir Habib Gandhi scored centuries on Day 1. 

Vivek, who now plays for the Railways team in Indian domestic cricket, showcased his power and skill to ease to his hundred. Vivek was eventually stumped out by Arun Chaprana on 129 from 166 balls. Meanwhile, experienced Arindam Ghosh added 52 while Aaamir Gani added a quick 32 off 34 balls to take Bhowanipur's total to 617 in the first inning. 

Anustup's ton kept Kalighat in the game

Ravi Kumar, the left-arm pacer, continued the momentum for Bhowanipur by dismissing Shreyansh Ghosh in the first over. But, ever dependable Anustup Majumdar and Koushik Ghosh made sure Kalighat didn't leave without a fight. 

Koushik and Anustup added 127 runs for the second wicket. However, Koushik would be disappointed not to get a big score as he was caught behind by Ravi Kumar, who was the pick of the bowlers on Day 2. 

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But, as they say, great players know when to put their hands up and show the path to the entire team. Bengal and Kalighat captain Anustup Majumdar raced to another ton in his club career to give some fight to Bhowanipur's huge total.

At the end of the day, Anustup is unbeaten on 107 off 127 balls while Subham Chatterjee, the double centurion from the pre-quarter final, is with him on 23 off 40 balls. Kalighat finished day 2 at 188/2 and need 430 runs in 552 balls to complete a historical chase.

East Bengal's Satyaki Dutta scored a stunning century to help the Red and Gold Ultras post 310/6 on day 1 of the Kolkata Derby in C.A.B. First Division Championship semi-final on Thursday at Videocon Ground. 

Game in balance despite Satayki's ton

East Bengal captain Writtick Chatterjee won the toss and decided to bat first in a high-voltage match like the Kolkata derby, where winning the bragging rights is more than anything. But, his decision was struck by an unfortunate run out of opener Abhisek Das, who was set on 26 off 44 balls. 

But post the first wicket, Arindam Ghosh and Satyaki Dutta, East Bengal's highest run scorer last season, took the initiative to put up a solid platform for the other batters to cash in. 

Satyaki Dutta returned to the dressing room after a great knock of 107 off 137 balls. Vikas Singh broke the 162-run partnership for Mohun Bagan to make a comeback in the match. 

Read Also | Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "We all know this game can make us heroes to the fans," East Bengal's Satyaki Dutta ahead of Kolkata Derby

At 194/2, East Bengal were all set to put up a huge score in the first inning. But Mohun Bagan struck back with back-to-back wickets. Vikash Singh dismissed East Bengal captain Writtick Chatterjee, and just when East Bengal tried to build another big partnership, Sourav Halder dismantled Arindam Ghosh's stumps after his 78 off 229 balls. 

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Agniv Pan tried to score some quick runs and bring the momentum to East Bengal, but Halder dismissed him after 21 off 27 balls to bring the game in balance. Former Mumbai Indians batter Amitoze Singh also departed after 8 off 17, and East Bengal now will depend on Sandipan Das and Shreyan Chakraborty to take them over 400 on day 2. 

Sandipan Das is currently unbeaten on 45 off 86 balls while Shreyan is batting on 8 off 19. For Mohun Bagan, Vikash Singh was the pick of the bowlers with 45/2 in 21 overs. 

In the other semi-final at  J.U. 2nd Campus Ground in Salt Lake, Bhowanipur dominated Kalighat bowlers by scoring 348/4 on day 1. Bhowanipur captain Abhimanyu Easwaran won the toss and decided to bat first. And, he made sure he himself proved his decision right. 

Abhishek Raman (41 off 63) gave a solid opening start with his Bengal opening partner Easwaran. But Kalighat made a quick comeback in the match after dismissing Jayojit Basu on a duck. 

Read Also | Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "My time will come," confident Habib Gandhi after 168 in first division quarter-final

Post that, it was all about the 243-run partnership between Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shakir Habib Gandhi. Easwaran returned to the dressing room after a solid 149 off 208 balls. Meanwhile, Shakir Habib Gandhi, who had scored an unbeaten 168 in the quarter-final, continued his form with a 119 from 171 balls. 

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Vivek Singh and Arindam Ghosh are at the crease for Bhowanipur at the moment after the end of Day 1. Durgesh Kumar Dubey and Arun Chaprana picked up two wickets each for Kalighat.

Satyaki Dutta has been one of the most underrated cricketers in Bengal over the past few seasons. The young batting all-rounder progressed through the ranks of Kolkata club cricket and has been playing for East Bengal since last season.

Despite scoring two centuries in two semi-finals last season, he could not lead East Bengal to victory. This season, having made it to the semi-finals again, he is determined to bring the trophy to East Bengal fans.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby against arch-rival Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, Satyaki shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

"Always tried to focus on my strengths"

Despite being one of the most consistent batters in Bengal, along with his ability to bowl wholeheartedly for his team, Satyaki has yet to break through to the senior Bengal team. Not only that, despite winning the "East Bengal's Cricketer of the Year Award", Satyaki was told he was not good enough by many. 

But just like many champion athletes, this has only made him stronger and better. Besides working on his strength, Satyaki made sure he found the small loopholes in his game and worked on them under East Bengal coach Abdul Monayem.

"I have always tried to focus on my strengths. I know what my capabilities are. And, when you're playing for a public club like East Bengal, you have to keep on improving," Satyaki told Sportz Point.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Kalighat and Bhowanipur qualify for the Championship semis

The first-class dream

Last season, Satyaki came very close to making the Bengal team, but it didn't happen for him. He understands that until his dream of wearing the Bengal cap is fulfilled, he must continue to find ways to improve each day.

"Playing first-class cricket is my dream. Everyone in Bengal starts playing with that dream only. Obviously, even if you do not want it, it runs at the back of your mind. But, I know, if I can help big teams like East Bengal win trophies, I will be getting closer to that dream," Satyaki added. 

Read Also: Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat," Ranjot Khaira's Aussie mentality is a booster for Mohun Bagan.

"Trying to bring out more intent in my game"

In the 2023-24 season, Satyaki was East Bengal's highest run-getter, but despite that, there were questions about his intent and strike rate. Satyaki worked on that during the entire off-season so that he could minimise any weakness in his batting. His 50 from 39 balls against Shambazar Club in the C.A.B. First Division Championship quarter-finals is a testament to that. 

"After last season, there were a few questions asked about my strike rate. This season, I have worked hard on that and am trying to bring out more intent in my game. I feel this can take my game to another level if I can keep up the intent I have shown," Satyaki expressed.

Read Also: Bengal Ranji Team in the Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more numbers.

Competition with other all-rounders

Since Laxmi Ratan Shukla's retirement, Bengal have tried to find the next pace bowling all-rounder for years, but none has been able to cement his place with great performances. Satayki knows there is a tough battle between a few of the players for just one or two places in the team. 

Interestingly, this competition extends to the East Bengal team as well. Ayan Bhattacharjee, one of the finest all-rounders, is also vying for a spot on the Bengal team and is Satyaki's teammate at East Bengal.

Competition? For Satyaki, it is all about doing well for the team.

"This is quite public now. Four or five players are fighting for that place in the Bengal team. There is nothing to hide that Ayan and I are also fighting for that place. But for both of us, it is all about doing well for East Bengal. Rest is in the hands of selectors and God," Satyaki stated.

"Moreover, you have to remember that I play as a batting all-rounder while others play as a bowling all-rounder," he added.

Read Also | Where Are They Now: Last Time Bengal Men's Cricket Team Won A Trophy

"This game can make us heroes to the fans"

Satyaki does not want to focus on all of these equations of selections, next season, the Bengal Pro T20 League. His main focus is now the big semifinal against Mohun Bagan. Satyaki knows the value of a Kolkata derby, and his heartbreak from last season is only making him prepare better for the clash. 

"Last season, we lost two semi-finals. I scored two centuries, but in a team game, winning the trophies is the biggest goal. This season, I want to play that final, and for that, I am willing to do anything," Satyaki described. 

"I know it won't be easy against a team like Mohun Bagan. But we have a team that can take on any team. We all know the value of a Kolkata derby. This match can make anyone a hero. Let's hope we can bring joy to East Bengal fans this time," the all-rounder manifested. 

He has played for East Bengal and won trophies with them. But, like many big stars of Kolkata Maidans, Ranjot Singh Khaira will now be taking on his old team in a big semi-final for Mohun Bagan in a special Kolkata derby coming this week. 

The 26-year-old top-order batter has regained his confidence after scoring an important 124 for Mohun Bagan A.C. in the C.A.B. First Division Championship Quarter-final against Mohammedan Sporting Club to reach the semis.

But now, he will take on their arch-rival of the Kolkata maidans and his former team East Bengal in a mouthwatering semi-final clash at Videocon Ground, starting from 24th April. Before the mega semi-final, Ranjot shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Kalighat and Bhowanipur qualify for the Championship semis

"I have regained my confidence"

From his U-19 days, Ranjot has been renowned as a free-flowing batter who just loves to dominate the opponent whenever there is an opportunity. This mentality quickly earned his LIST-A debut in 2021. But, since then, he has been in and out of the team and only played 13 T20s, 3 LIST-A and 2 First-class games for Bengal.

But after scoring in an important game, Ranjot feels this score has done a lot for his confidence, and he has regained his self-belief. 

"Confidence plays a key role in every player's career. But self-confidence comes from doing well in games. Only game time can help us regain that self-belief we lack. So, a big score for a club like Mohun Bagan and in a knockout match has certainly helped me regain my confidence," Ranjot told Sportz Point.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "My time will come," confident Habib Gandhi after 168 in first division quarter-final

Talking about his limited opportunities for Bengal in the last four years, Ranjot said, "You cannot judge someone with one or two games. You have to see if he/she has been given a chance in the long run or not. Then you can evaluate."

"Surely, I could have done better in the chances I got. But I feel I had a good debut in the Ranji Trophy, but again, I got injured in the next match," Ranjot added. 

"I want to make a name for myself"

Since Ranjot had to sit out in many games due to team combination, the top-order batter has now started bowling as well, which was once his biggest strength. "I have started bowling again. I am feeling good with my leg spin. It feels great. I feel I am ready to contribute to my team's success with bat, ball and fielding," Ranjot expressed. 

"I want to make a difference when I play. I know the value of a name. That’s what I want for myself; to make a name for myself in this beautiful game," Ranjot shared. 

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"They want nothing but the trophy"

But how do you make a name for yourself? Ranjot knows the formula. Since his childhood, he has been part of big teams in Kolkata and has already played for three of the biggest cricket clubs of the Kolkata maidan. He knows, scoring in big games for big clubs and helping them win trophies is something that gets valued more than anything in Bengal cricket. 

"If you are playing for any of the big four clubs in Kolkata, the competition is already tough. There is pressure and expectations to win trophies. That is why it is important to do well in these kinds of knockout matches."

"I have heard from childhood that you have to score in these kinds of big games to get recognised in Kolkata Club cricket or Bengal cricket overall. The fans and the club want nothing but the trophy. This is what makes it more special."

Read Also | Exclusive: Inspired by Easwaran's work ethic, a more mature Abishek Porel wants to score big hundreds for Bengal in Ranji Trophy

"When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat"

However, we all know that having the formula and executing it in the field are two different things altogether. So, how does Ranjot Sing Khaira execute things?

"It has always been a simple formula for me. When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat. Do not give them any chance to rise and make a comeback," Ranjot stated. 

"Like, if you take the quarter-final game. Though we scored 380, we knew it was chaseable. So, in big games when you are playing against good teams, you need to make sure that when you have them under pressure, you pin them down," he added.