The Bengal Men's Cricket team finished yet another season without any trophy. From Syed Mushtaq Ali, and Vijay Hazare to Ranji Trophy, Bengal have failed to bring glory to the state yet another year. But, in a season where the team management had to bring some new faces to the front, only Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal came up as a hero for the team. 6 games, 9 innings, 31 wickets at an average of 13.06, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal had a fantastic senior team debut season to remember. In an exclusive interview with Sportz Point, Suraj shared his thoughts on his debut season.

When the Bengal Ranji Trophy team was announced, Sportz Point was one of the first to announce the team from Eden Gardens and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal was one of the names listed on that list. Bengal was supposed to miss their leading bowler Mukesh Kumar. Though Suraj was touted to be picked for the Andhra game, he had to wait till the second game in Kanpur against Uttar Pradesh to make his first-class debut.

Suraj looked good with his 4 wickets in the first game but looked better in the Chattishagrh match in Kolkata, where he bowled 23 overs, gave away just 29 runs and took 4 wickets. In the next game against Assam, away from home, Suraj looked more lethal with his line and length, taking his maiden five-wicket haul in the second innings along with a three-for in the first innings.

In the Mumbai match, Suraj claimed back-to-back five-wicket hauls, taking six wickets in the first innings while bowling long spells. He bowled 32 out of 94 overs Bengal bowled at Eden Gardens. Although the season didn't go well for Bengal, Suraj ensured that everyone would remember his name after his season.

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Although Suraj had to fill the big boots of Mukesh Kumar, he saw it as an opportunity to shine. "Obviously, it was difficult to replace bowlers like Mukesh Kumar and Akashdeep, but I knew that this was my opportunity to do well and learn from them if I get the chance to play alongside them," Suraj told Sportz Point.

"I was prepared to take the opportunity and do what I was doing with my club teams in all these days. I knew that I had to use my strength of bowling line and length, and the rest will be taken care of," Suraj expressed.

For a newcomer like Suraj, he needed the freedom and support from senior players and coaches to settle in at the first-class level, which he received from coaches like Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Shib Shankar Paul, and seniors like Manoj Tiwary and Anustup Majumdar. "Laxmi da, Manoj da, and coaches supported me well and gave me the freedom to go all out and keep doing what I was doing at the club level," Jaiswal stated.

Before getting the maiden call-up for the senior Bengal team, Suraj was in red-hot form for Customs Club in Kolkata First-Division League. He feels that not having any expectations helped him to focus on what was in his hands. "I knew I was bowling well. But, I did not have any expectations this time. Last season, I was dropped from the team. So, I just wanted to focus on the tasks I had on my hand."

Suraj's bowling action is different from the typical copy-book action, and he jumps out in his loading while bowling. Rahul Deb, the coach of Customs Club, mentioned before his debut that it would be difficult for someone new to face him because his bowling action brings a difficult angle for the batters.

"Yes, I have a different bowling action. But, my coach Sanjay Bagui sir always used to tell me about Imran Khan, who used to jump out in his bowling action as well. So, he used to tell me that if he can play with that bowling action, why can't I? Now, I used the jump as a strength with the natural ability to swing and move the ball both ways," Suraj expressed.

Additionally, Suraj has the strength of bowling for long spells, which was seen against Mumbai at Eden Gardens where he bowled 32 out of 94 overs for Bengal. Suraj never minded bowling long spells and has been doing this since his under-age cricket. And as per him, bowling longer spells in club cricket has also helped him build that strength.

Also Read: Exclusive Akash Pandey: Former Bengal U19 star is inspired by Sarfraz Khan's journey, takes 9/71 against Goa in Ranji Trophy

In addition to his bowling, Suraj is very much capable with the bat in his hand as well. In the six games so far, he averages 22.33 with the bat, including a fifty in the game against Assam. "I have worked hard on my batting since last year. I used to spend one and a half hours every day on my batting with my coach. I wish to contribute more with the bat," Suraj stated.

Suraj has been playing for the Bengal age-level teams since the U19 days and was part of the 2016-17 batch that won the Cooch Behar Trophy. Later on, he did well for the U-23 and U-25 teams as well, but the year 2023 taught him great lessons which the years of good times could not make him understand.

He lost his father and was dropped from the age group team for the first time in his career. He was devasted and even went into depression for a few days after that. But, just like his bowling action, he "jumped out" from the tough situation to become one of the best performers for the Bengal team this season.

Now after a good season, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal knows that there will be expectations from him in the next season. And, he is fully aware of that and does not want to be a one-season wonder for Bengal. "I want to go that next level; play for the country and things like that. I will keep working hard and keep giving my all out for Bengal," Suraj shared.

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."

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"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. 

Bengal wicket-keeper batter Shakir Habib Gandhi has been quietly performing in club cricket for the last few years, and despite being in and out of the Bengal squad, he feels his time will come eventually. To prove he is on the right track, the left-handed batter slammed an unbeaten 168 off 170 balls for Bhowanipur Club against Barisha Sporting Club in the C.A.B. First Division Championship Quarter-final match.

Habib Gandhi's remarkable innings helped Bhowanipur chase down Barisha Sporting's mammoth 430-run target at at Videocon Ground in Kolkata. After his stunning inning, the 25-year-old batter shared his thoughts with Sportz Point in an exclusive interview. 

"The team has a trophy-oriented mindset"

Gandhi has already scored three double tons this season for Bhowanipur Club. His form has not only helped the club qualify for the knockouts but has also helped them qualify for the semis. But, as per the batter, the team's mindset of being hungry for a trophy has helped him keep going for big runs throughout the season. 

"Bhowanipur is one of the most successful clubs in Kolkata, and I feel the team has a trophy-oriented mindset, which keeps every player on their toes. You have to keep improving yourself whenever you play in this kind of team," Habib Gandhi told Sportz Point. 

But doing it in the league stage and doing it in the knockouts is something different. According to Habib, he never puts himself under pressure thinking about knockout games. He just wants to keep the process simple and play as per the demand of the team. 

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

"The plan was to play till the end"

In the quarter-final, Bhowanipur were under huge pressure after the first inning. Although the pitch seemed to be batting-friendly, chasing 430 was never easy. Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran got out after a good 51 off 71, but Jayojit Basu's 81 from 109 balls kept them in the game. 

Post that it was all about Habib's inning that helped Bhowanipur get over the line. The young wicket-keeper batter had the calculations in mind, and this helped him not to hurry in a big chase like this. 

"I knew we needed about 4 runs per over. So, it was all about playing the whole 90 overs. I kept telling myself that if I stayed till the end, and took the game deep, we would go over the line," Habib expressed. 

But what was the initial plan of the Bhowanipur club? "This is a champion team. We have some great talents and experienced players in the batting lineup. Inclusion of Abhimanyu (Easwaran) enhanced that to another level. So, the plan from the beginning was to bat the whole 90 overs," he answered. 

"Very happy that I was able to do what the team had planned. Nothing feels greater than this when you successfully execute the plans set by the team," Habib added. 

Read Also | Exclusive: Age does not matter, at 34, Jayojit Basu focusing on winning trophies

"My time will come if I continue to improve"

However, despite doing well in the club cricket, Habib has not got enough chances in the Bengal squad in the last few seasons. Since making his T20 debut for Bengal in 2023, he has only played in 12 T20, 5 List-A and 1 First-class games.

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

Habib knows he has not been at his best while playing for Bengal and can do lots of great things for the state team. 

"My job is to keep doing well in whatever chances I am getting. I want to keep improving and keep winning games for the team. It has never been an individual thing for me. I want to help teams win trophy. And, this pushes me to score big and finish games," Habib shared. 

"I feel my time will come if I continue to improve and help the teams win," he added.

Habib Gandhi now has his eyes set on the big semi-final against Kalighat club and wants to keep Bhowanipur Club in the quest to defend their title. The Bhowanipur vs Kalighat semi-final will start from 24th April and continue till 26th April. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Central Contract for the 2025-26 season on Monday, 21st April 2025. 7 new players were added to the contract, while players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan returned to the list after missing out last time.

Last year, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were left out of the BCCI central contract after opting out of the domestic games for their respective state teams. BCCI's focus on domestic cricket left them out of the central contract despite being part of the Indian team set up a few months ago.

But, this time, both the Indian batters were added to the contract after Iyer won everything in the domestic cricket last season, along with lifting the IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders. Ishan Kishan also played through the entire domestic season and has been rewarded with the contract too. 

Read Also | "Mere Sath Kyun?.:" Ishan Kishan breaks silence on Team India exit and Central Contract termination

Talking points from the BCCI Central Contract 2025

Rohit and Kohli stay in Grade A+ 

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remained in the Grade A+ category despite retiring from the T20I format. Rohit and Virat had announced their retirement from the shortest format of the game after lifting the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies. 

Ravindra Jadeja is another name who has been listed in the A+ category despite retiring from the T20Is after the World Cup victory.

Bumrah is the only all-format player in A+

With Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja retiring from the shortest format of the game, Jasprit Bumrah remains the only all-format player to be in the A+ category of the BCC Central Contract 2025.

Pant is promoted to the Grade A category

Rishabh Pant received a promotion to the A category after being in the B category last year. Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami are the other names in the A category, who were already there in last year's contract. 

Ravi Ashwin has been left out of the contract since he retired from international cricket.

Iyer listed in grade B; Kishan in grade C

Shreyas Iyer, who was left out of the contract last year, has been included in the Grade B, while Ishan Kishan has been listed in the Grade C. 

Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the other names in Grade B, who were there last time as well. 

New 7 names in Grade C

7 new players have been added to the BCCI Central Contract 2025. All of these players found themselves in Grade C. 

Dhruv Jurel, Sarafraz Khan, Nitish Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep are the players who received the contract for their performances in the last season. 

Not to be confused, Akash Deep earlier had a fast bowling contract and this year received the central contract after doing well in the Test format. 

Shardul Thakur, Jitesh Sharma, KS Bharath, Avesh Khan, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa have been left out of the contract this year.

Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa were all part of the fast bowling contract last season. 

BCCI Central Contract 2025

BCCI announces annual player retainership 2024-25 - Team India (Senior Men) 💙🤝#Bcci #IndianCricket #Viratkohli #RohitSharma #jaspritbumrah #Shreyasiyer #KlRahul #HardikPandya #Ipl2025 pic.twitter.com/LSmlg06QOS

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) April 21, 2025

Kolkata club cricket's big four, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Kalighat and Bhowanipur Club, qualified for the semi-finals of the C.A.B First Division League Qualifier and Championship Playoffs on Sunday in four grounds across Bengal. 

East Bengal defeated Shambazar Club handsomely by 8 wickets, while their arch-rival Mohun Bagan defeated Mohammedan Sporting Club by 22 runs to reach the final four.

On the other hand, Kalighat managed a narrow one-wicket win over Town Club. But, Bhawanipore made the headlines by chasing down Barisha Sporting's mammoth 430-run target with 21 balls remaining in the match.

East Bengal beat Shambazar by 8 wickets

Kanishk Seth ran through the Shambazar Club in the first inning with his lethal left-arm pace bowling at the Deshbandhu Park Ground in Kolkata. Seth picked up three wickets for 32 and was well supported by Bengal's highest wicket-taker of the last two seasons, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal.

Suraj broke through the top order while Kanishk made sure the middle order did not get any momentum. Suraj picked up three wickets for 42 while captain Writtick Chatterjee also took two important wickets to ensure East Bengal had only 180 to chase in the second inning. 

During the chase, Abhisek Das and Satyaki Dutta gave them a great start, despite an early wicket of Akash Ghatak. Abhisek remained unbeaten on 70 while Satyaki departed after a 50 from 39 balls. Captain Writtick Chatterjee also played a quick-fire knock of 44 from 21 balls as the red and gold won by 8 wickets. 

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

Writam Porel's gritty 96 helped Kalighat beat Town Club by 1 wicket

Despite Yuvraj Keswani's stunning 106, Town Club's 280 in the first inning did not prove to be enough as Writam Porel's unbeaten 96 took Kalighat over the line in a nail-biting finish at Aditya School Ground in Barasat.

Town Club in the first inning posted 280, depending on Yuvraj's ton and Avirup Gupta's 53. Arun Chaprana was the pick of the bowlers for Kalighat with 4/42. 

During the chase, Kalighat lost their openers quickly, but captain Anustup Majumdar scored 60 from 88 balls to keep them in the chase. But it was heroics from veteran Writam Porel that saw Kalighat qualify for the final four.

Writam remained unbeaten on 96 while he lost partners from the other end. Though Kalighat were short of the total after the full overs, a penalty of 86 runs helped them win by 1 wicket. 

Read Also | Bengal Cricket Exclusive | "Teams sign us to help them win trophies:" Subham Chatterjee after a double ton in CAB first-division pre-quarter-final match

Mohun Bagan defeated Mohammedan Sporting by 22 runs

Gitansh Khera and Ranjot Singh Khaira's incredible tons, along with Rohit Kumar's 4 wickets, helped the Green and Maroon brigade beat Mohammedan Sporting by 22 runs to reach the semis. 

Both Gitansh and Ranjot scored 124 in the first innings, which helped Mohun Bagan put 380 in the first innings at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani. Vaibhav Yadav was the star of the show for Mohammedan with the ball as the left-arm spinner picked up six wickets for 108 for the black and white brigade.

In the second inning, captain Sudip Chatterjee fought a lone battle with a stunning 125 for Mohammedan along with Sambit Roy's 95. But, eventually, they fell short by 22 runs despite earning a penalty of 27 runs. 

Rohit Kumar was influential for Mohun Bagan with a stunning spell of 4/68. 

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

Habib Gandhi's heroics take Bhawanipore to the semis

Shakir Habib Gandhi's unbeaten 168 from 170 balls helped Bhawanipore chase a mammoth 430 against Barisha Sporting Club at Videocon Ground in Kolkata. 

Kazi Junaid Saifi's 161 and Sumanta Gupta's 107 helped Bhawanipore put up a huge total of 429 runs in the first inning. Aamir Gani picked up three wickets in the first inning. 

During the chase, Bhawanipore captain Abhimanyu Easwaran departed after scoring 51 off 71, but Jayojit Basu's 81 from 109 balls kept them in the game. 

However, it was all about Shakir Habib Gandhi's stunning 168 from 170 balls, which helped Bhawanipore chase down the total with four wickets in hand and 21 balls remaining in the match.