Bengal Cricket: "The dream is still the same, to play Ranji Trophy for Bengal," Avijit Mondal after saving Belgachia United from relegation

Bengal cricket is known for having one of the best club cricket leagues in India. Teams gest relegated for their poor performances and few get promoted for their outstanding performances. In that scenario, playing a relegation match is one of the "toughest games" ones can ask for in Maidans of Kolkata.

Avijit Mondal, who had played his first relegation match 10 years ago, played his second relegation season for the same club, Belgachia United this season. Just like last time, Avijit was able to save this team by scoring important runs in the toughest situations. The right-handed batter shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

"Yes, it is a pressure game for the club officials, but I do not take it like that. This is just another match for me. I think this helps me not to put pressure on myself," Avijit Mondal said on relegation matches being one of the "pressure games" of the season.

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Avijit had played relegation matches in his first season of first-division cricket in Kolkata in the 2012 season. Since then a lot has changed in Maidan cricket. Even this year the rule of relegation games has also changed. Eight teams were divided into two groups and they will play three games with each other and then the two teams with the most wins /points will be saved from relegation. Meanwhile, the other four teams from two groups will go against each other and one team who losses in the finals of relegation will be relegated to the second division.

But other than that what has changed since the last time he had played relegation matches? "There are no draw matches now. Earlier you could bat the entire day and draw those matches. But now it's an 85-over One day match. You will have to score more and win. Thus, the power game has come into Maidan cricket," he answered.

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For those who do not know, Avijit Mondal played U-19 cricket for Bengal along with Sandipan Das, Koushik Ghosh, Abishek Raman and Amir Gani. In 2011-12 Cooch-Behar Trophy, he had scored 239 runs at an average of 47.80 with one century against his name. Then he kept on fighting through first-division cricket to fulfil his dream to play for Bengal at the first-class level. A few major injuries here and there also hindered his journey but after regaining his full fitness he is hopeful to make it big in the coming seasons.

"The aim and goal are still the same. When I had started playing cricket, I wanted to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and play for India. The goal remained the same for me. I am working hard and making myself ready for any opportunities that come my way."

"This season I was disappointed after getting out on the 40s. I should have batted for a longer period and made those 40s into big scores. But, yes I am happy to contribute to the team's win and save the team from relegation," Avijit Mondal said on his crucial 100 against Sporting Union in the relegation phase.

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As the game changes, players also need to change with the game and adapt themselves along with that. What have been the changes for Avijit Mondal who played for more than 10 years at the first-division level?

"I am always been a stroke player. If I get a half-volley on the fist ball, I will try to loft it or hit it for a four. I have not made many changes to that. For me, I am more mature now as a batter. I am more decisive and clear in my thoughts now," he answered.

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With still one match to go in this season, Avijit has offers from two-three clubs for the next season. "Let's see what happens. I will have to see how the teams are getting made, how is the environment there in the team, then I will choose the club for the next season," he added.

"As of now, I will work on my fitness more. Then as the monsoon comes, I will focus more on my skills to prepare for the next season," Avijit said with hopes in his voice to go one step closer to his dream of playing Ranji Trophy for Bengal.