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From delivering online food to getting selected for India U-19 camp, Rahul Prasad's journey is an inspiring one

Rahul Prasad, a talented all-rounder of Bengal cricket had to fought many battles before getting selected for the India U1-9 Camp.

Mar 10, 2023, 2:49 PM5 min read

Three players from Bengal have been selected for the India U-19 camp after a good Cooch Behar Trophy in the last season. Sayed Irfan Aftab, Sumit Nag and Rahul Prasad are the talented players to be selected for the camp. All these three players had their own battles, but Rahul's one was tougher. Rahul Prasad had to first win the battle of life, before winning it on cricket grounds.

Just one year ago, Rahul lost his mother. At just 17, Rahul had the mental strength to go for the Bengal U-19 trials three days after his mother's demise. At first, he did not wanted go but his coach Birendra Pratap Singh advised him to go for the trials and everything changed for the all-rounder from Sodepur after that.

Rahul usually was a batter who could bowl. He used to be a medium pacer before his coach Birendra Pratap Singh guided him to be an off-spinner looking at his height and physical attributes. Bengal needed an off-spinner and he was able to impress coaches and selectors to be selected for the Bengal U-19 camp.

But, nothing changed for him after that. Harikishan Prasad, Rahul's father is a taxi driver by profession and he even used to drive Cricket Association of Bengal's cars as well. So, there was always a need for money to meet daily needs. Seeing that Rahul started to deliver online food at night.

Rahul Prasad used to cycle 22-24 km every night to deliver online foods

Cricket in the day and food delivery by cycle at night. It was getting tough for the 17-year-old kid. He could not manage it for more than four months as he was getting physically exhausted after cycling 22-24 km every night.

"He is a very tough kid. Mentally strong and humble. These attributes also help him on the ground as well," said Birendra Pratap Singh in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point. "Look, we as coaches can only help him in many ways but it is he who worked hard to get better. Everyone helped him during his tough time. We all want him to grow as a player and fulfil his dreams. Moroever, very happy with the selection of three Bengal boys in the camp," Birendra Pratap Singh added.

"He first was a batting all-rounder. But focused more on his bowling as Bengal needed an off-spinning all-rounder:" Abdul Monayem

Abdul Monayem, a prominent coach of Bengal cricket had spotted him in his early days and given him a chance to lead the Bhawanipore U-18 team in the CAB U-18 tournament. "Rahul is a bit different from others. I feel his personal life has made him tougher mentally. I advised Rahul to put more focus on his bowling as Bengal team needed an off-spinning all-rounder. He kept on working hard and got selected as a bowling all-rounder although generally, he is a batting all-rounder," Abdul Monayem added.

"I told his father to let him play. We all are here to help him:" Birendra Pratap Singh

Everyone in Rahul's family is very happy now. But, in a lower-middle-class family like his, there is always a difficulty. Coach Birendra Pratap already made sure that poverty should not come his way to glory. "I have told his father to let him play. We all are here to help him. But, a talented and hard-working player like him must continue playing. I have told his father to let him enjoy his cricket," Birendra Pratap Singh expressed.

Read Also: "I hope there will be more players from our team in Bengal team:" Abdul Monayem after winning the 3rd League title with Bhawanipore Club

Abdul Monayem also echoed the thoughts of Birendra Paratap Singh. "He will have to keep on fighting. I know he is very strong mentally and he will just have to keep on improving himself and take one step at a time. We all are here to help him," he told Sportz Point.

But, previously many players have lost their way after reaching this level. Abdul Monayem believes that is the duty and responsibility of coaches like them to guide young talents like Rahul Prasad to a better future. "I always believed that Bengal cricket never lacked the supply line. We just have to guide and nurture players like Rahul, Irfan and Sumit."

"Moreover, when you spot talents like them, you must give them proper chances so that they can serve Bengal cricket for a long time and eventually serve Indian cricket as well," Abdul Monayem added.

Every fan of Bengal cricket will be hoping that Rahul Prasad will make a name for himself and help Bengal cricket in many ways in the coming years.

Note: Made with inputs from Ananda Bazar Patrika's coverage by Indrajit Sengupta

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Last 10 winners of the Ranji Trophy

The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 has finally concluded with Vidarbha winning their third Ranji title defeating Kerala in the finals.

Mar 3, 2025, 1:36 PM2 min read

Last 10 winners of the Ranji Trophy

Ranji Trophy is an annual domestic first-class cricket competition organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and played between the country's state and regional cricket associations.

Last 10 winners of the Ranji Trophy | SportzPoint.com
Mumbai Ranji Team with the title
Image - mykhel

Also Read: Ranji Trophy winners since 1934-35 season

The premier domestic competition named after the first Indian cricketer, Ranjitsinhji, who was also known as 'Ranji', was launched in 1934-35 featuring 15 teams in four zones in a knockout format and has since expanded to a 32-team tournament in the league and knockout format.

The first-ever edition was won by Bombay now known as Mumbai, who have also won the Ranji title the most. Record champions Mumbai have won the Ranji Trophy 41 times so far. Mumbai has also reached the final 47 times.

Karnataka earlier played as Mysore is the second most successful team in the Ranji Trophy, having won the title 8 times and finished runners up 6 times followed by Delhi, who have won the title 7 times and finished as runners-up 8 times.

The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 has finally concluded with Vidarbha winning their third Ranji title defeating Kerala in the finals. Let's check out the last 10 winners of the Ranji title.

Read Also: Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season

Last 10 winners of the Ranji Trophy

Season Winner Runner Up
2014–15 Karnataka Tamil Nadu
2015–16 Mumbai Saurashtra
2016–17 Gujarat Mumbai
2017–18 Vidarbha Delhi
2018–19 Vidarbha Saurashtra
2019–20 Saurashtra Bengal
2021–22 Madhya Pradesh Mumbai
2022–23 Saurashtra Bengal
2023–24 Mumbai Vidarbha
2024-25 Vidarbha Kerala

N.B: Last Updated on 03/03/2025.

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Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season

Ashutosh Aman of Bihar has the record for most wickets in a single Ranji season currently. Jaydev Unadkat and Harsh Dubey follow him on the list.

Feb 27, 2025, 4:18 PM6 min read

Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season: Harsh Dubey | sportzpoint.com
Harsh Dubey has already taken 66 wickets in 2024-25 season. Image | PTI

Ranji Trophy, the Premier Division Tournament in Indian domestic cricket has given future stars of Indian cricket over the years. Domestic players prove themselves in the Ranji Trophy as best in the country, before announcing themselves on the world stage.

Today, we will discuss the players who have taken the most wickets in a Ranji Trophy season to cement their place in the history of Indian domestic cricket. Ashutosh Aman of Bihar has the record for most wickets taken in a single Ranji season currently.

Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season

10. Sai Kishore | 53 wickets

Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season - Sai Kishore - 53 wickets | sportzpoint.com
Image | PTI

Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner Sai Kishore took 53 wickets in a single season in 2023-24 and listed himself in the record books. He became the first Tamil Nadu bowler to take more than fifty wickets in a Ranji Season.

Sai Kishore took a total of 53 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 18.52 including 3 five-wicket hauls. Despite his heroics with the ball, Tamil Nadu fell short against Mumbai in the semi-finals that season. 

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

9. Gurinder Singh | 53 wickets

Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season: Gurinder Singh - 53 wickets | sportzpoint.com
Image | TOI

Playing for Meghalaya, left-arm spinner Gurinder Singh took 53 wickets in just 8 matches to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker of the 2018/19 Ranji Trophy season. Gurinder created the record in the plate group of the tournament. 

Gurinder's splendid season with the ball included 5 five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul in a match as well. The spin-bowling all-rounder started his career with Tripura and played for Punjab, Meghalaya and Chandigarh as well.

8. Aditya Sarwate | 55 wickets

Aditya Sarwate - sportzpoint.com
Image | PTI

Aditya Sarwate, the left-arm spinner from Vidarbha listed himself among the bowlers with the most wickets in a single season in 2018/19 when he picked up 55 wickets in 11 matches. 

Sarwate at that time was the only Vidarbha bowler to pick up more than 50 wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season. He picked up 11 wickets in the 2018/19 Ranji Trophy final as Vidarbha defeated Saurashtra to become the sixth team in history to defend a Ranji Trophy title. 

Sarwate currently is playing for Kerala.

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

7. Sanjay Yadav | 55 wickets

R Sanjay Yadav has been Meghalaya's main man in the 2019-20 domestic season

Another left-arm in the list, Sanjay Yadav took 55 wickets in the 2019/20 season playing for Meghalaya in the plate group. Though Meghalaya failed to reach the knock-out stage of the tournament, Sanjay made a name for himself with five 5-wicket hauls and 3 ten-wicket hauls in the season. 

6. Shahbaz Nadeem | 56 wickets

Jharkhand's Shahbaz Nadeem took three of Gujarat's four wickets, Gujarat v Jharkhand, semi-final, day 3, Ranji Trophy 2016-17, January 3, 2017
Image | Sunny Shinde. 

Shahbaz Nadeem is one of the renowned names in Indian domestic cricket's history with 542 first-class wickets to his name. Playing for his state Jharkhand, Nadeem picked up 56 wickets in 10 games in the 2016/17 season at an average of 25.60. 

The left-arm spinner's incredible season with the ball included four 5-wicket hauls and 2 ten-wicket hauls in a match. Despite his incredible season, Jharkhand could not reach the final as Jasprit Bumrah's 6-wicket haul helped Gujarat defeat them in the semis. 

Nadeem himself also had taken a five-wicket haul in the semi-final.

Read Also | Most runs in Ranji Trophy in a single season

5. Dharmendrasinh Jadeja | 59 wickets

Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season: Dharmendrasinh Jadeja - 59 wickets | sportzpoint.com
Image | PTI

Saurashtra's Dharmendrasinh Jadeja outshined everyone with a record-breaking 59 wickets in the 2018-19 Ranji trophy season. He then was the highest wicket-taker for Saurashtra in a single season of Ranji Trophy, which was later broken by Jaydev Unadkat. 

In 11 games that season Jadeja averaged 27.16 and took five 5-wicket hauls including one 10-wicket haul in a match. Despite Jadeja's six-wicket haul, Saurashtra lost the final at the hands of Vidarbha. 

4. Kanwaljit Singh | 59 wickets

Hyderabad's off-spinner Kanwaljit Singh had set the record for most wickets in a Ranji Trophy season in 1999/00 season which lasted till 2018-19 when Ashutosh Aman of Bihar broke that record. 

Kanwaljit took 59 wickets in 11 matches to set the record. He averaged 24.06 with the ball and had taken 4 five-wicket hauls alongside two 10-wicket hauls. The off-spinner retired after taking 369 first-class wickets and was one of the unluckiest off-spinners to not have played for India during his era.

3. Harsh Dubey | 66*

Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season: Harsh Dubey | sportzpoint.com
Image | PTI

Harsh Dubey, the Vidarbha all-rounder has already listed himself among the greats of Indian domestic cricket only in his third season. The left-arm spinner has already taken 66 wickets in the 2024-25 season and will have a chance to break the overall record in the ongoing final between Kerala and Vidarbha. 

In 10 matches till now Dubey has taken 66 wickets at an average of 16.81. His 7 five-wicket haul in his season is also the joint-highest in Elite group history. Dubey also has taken two 10-wicket hauls this season. 

2. Jaydev Unadkat | 67

Jaydev Unadkat
Image | Jaydev Bhatnagar. 

Jaydev Unadkat in the 2019-20 season broke multiple records as he led Saurasthra to their maiden Ranji Trophy title. The left-arm seamer became the first and still only pacer to take more than 60 wickets in a Ranji Trophy season. 

Not only that in that record breaking season he became the bowler to take most wickets in a Ranji season in elite groups. Undakat took 67 wickets in 11 games at an average of 13.23. His 7 five-wicket hauls is still a record in elite group. He also took 3 ten-wicket hauls that season. 

1. Ashutosh Aman | 68 wickets

Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season:  Ashutosh Aman - 68 wickets | sportzpoint.com
Image | PTI

Bihar's Ashutosh Aman still holds the record for most wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season, which he achieved in 2018/19 season. 

The left-arm spinner took 68 wickets in just 8 plate group games at an incredible average of 6.48 runs per wicket. Aman took 9 five-wicket hauls that season, which is also a Ranji Trophy record. His five 10-wicket haul is also a record in Indian domestic cricket. 

 

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"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make Ranji Trophy return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season

Sayan Ghosh emerged as the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The Bengal pacer now looking for his Ranji Trophy return.

Feb 22, 2025, 1:07 AM7 min read

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make Ranji Trophy return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com

Chakdaha, a very tiny town in the Nadia district of West Bengal, is known to the cricketing world for a very special player. It is Jhulan Goswami, who made Chakdaha famous with fiery spells all around the globe, wearing the Blue jersey of India. 

When Jhulan was breaking records in women's cricket, another speedster from Chakdaha dreamt of breaking stumps and records too. Sayan Ghosh, known as Bengal's Malinga, saw ups and downs from the start of his cricketing career. But, like his swinging yorkers, Sayan never swayed away from his targets. 

Ghosh last played a Ranji Trophy game way back in 2017. In 6 first-class games, he has two five-wicket hauls. Still, he was never called back to the Ranji Trophy, team until this season. The reason is his incredible comeback into the white ball side for Bengal. 

Sayan Ghosh's incredible season in white-ball format

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh celebrating a wicket in SMAT pre-quarters vs Chandigarh. Image | PTI

Sayan was always called the "White Ball" specialist due to his ability to hit yorkers and variations. However, with bowlers like Mukesh Kumar, Ishan Porel and Akash Deep doing well, he found himself out of the side in the last few seasons. But, his will to keep doing well at the club level, helped him make another comeback to the Bengal side. 

This season, Sayan Ghosh was the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, he returned with 13 wickets from 7 games at an outstanding economy rate of 6.77.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the stats were even better as he capped off the season with 15 wickets from 7 games which included a five-wicket haul against Kerala. Post, his outstanding white-ball return, Sayan was included in the Ranji Trophy squad for the final two games of the season. 

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

"Nothing as sweet as a comeback:" Sayan Ghosh

After his remarkable resurgence in domestic cricket, Sportz Point sat with the 32-year-old pacer to sense his thoughts. 

Talking about his return to the Bengal team, Sayan started the conversation by saying, "It is always a pleasure to represent Bengal. And there is nothing as sweet as a comeback when you are down and about to lose. Performing well for the team feels great."

Impact of Bengal Pro T20 League

Sayan feels, along with doing well for Mohun Bagan in the club format, the Bengal Pro T20 League has helped him be in the best form possible. 

"I must say, performance in BPL gave me confidence," Sayan told Sportz Point.

"I didn’t take too much pressure for the whole season because I knew if I did well, I would play. I had belief in myself. Captain Sudip (Gharami), coaches Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) da and Maco (Shib Shankar Paul) da gave confidence. So, I didn’t take a lot of pressure."

Focusing on the basics

Sayan Ghosh - Bengal Cricketer | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh during a club match for Mohun Bagan. Image | Sportz Point

A few seasons back, Sayan had a longer run-up which caused him a few injuries. But, post the 2022 season, he shortened his run-up to avoid such injuries which helped him gain more control. Keeping this in mind, Sportz Point wanted to know if he had done anything special to prepare for this grand comeback. 

However, as per Sayan, he just kept doing the basic things over and over to get better at everything. "I do lots of fitness work and spot bowling. It helps me a lot," Sayan added while answering the question. 

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

"Trust in GOD"

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh ater his 4-wicket haul SMAT 2024. Image | PTI

Regardless of how, for a sportsperson, a comeback is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical battle. Back in 2022, in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point, Sayan shared that "rejections do not deject him." 

But, saying that and actually having that mental strength are two different things altogether. For Sayan, it was all about being present and believing in God. 

"There comes a time in every sportsman's life when they stop worrying about the outcome, trust in God, and fully immerse themselves in the process. So, that was my thinking just to be in the present and wait for my turn," Sayan expressed. 

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

During tough periods like these, players always get some people clapping and cheering for them. For Sayan, along with his family, there were a few people, who guided and supported him throughout the process. 

"Maco da (Shib Shankar Paul) and Kanchan (Maity) da gave me chances in BPL And Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) da helped me and gave me a chance to come back in Bengal Cricket." 

"I must say about Akash da, one of my colleagues in my office, who is a very good bowler himself. He supported me in every aspect of my life. I think without his support, I could not have made the come back like that," Sayan stated.

Age? Not a problem

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh before a club match for Mohun Bagan. Image | Sportz Point

But, in this process of being in and out of the team, Sayan has reached an age where most cricketers start to reach the end of their careers. But, not all. 

Cricketers like Scott Boland have proved that, if you can keep putting in the hard work, even as a fast bowler you can debut and play at the highest level even after 30. Sayan believes that too. 

"Hope keeps us alive. I don’t think a lot about the outcome. But, when you have a goal to achieve something big in your professional career, you always stay motivated," the 32-year-old shared. 

"There is nothing as sweet as a comeback, when you are down and about to lose. If you are thinking about a comeback, you have to keep pushing the boundaries. I have small targets to do well in club cricket and give Mohunbagan trophies. I want to make a strong impact in Bengal Cricket in every format."

Read Also | Exclusive | "Felt like my debut:" Bengal pacer Ishan Porel now wants to enjoy his cricket after a solid comeback to first-class cricket

The love for "Red Cherry"

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh bowling in a club match. Image | Sportz Point

Now, after a great white-ball return, Sayan Ghosh wants to don the whites for Bengal again. Amidst all the success around white-ball cricket, his love for red-ball cricket remained the same; like a 10-year-old with a new ball in hand. 

"We are playing well in all formats, especially in the Ranji trophy. It was unfortunate for us not to qualify despite playing well in the group stages. The Bihar match and the Kerala match were gone because of the rain and that was the reason (we could not qualify). 

"The last time I played a Ranji Trophy game was in 2017. I have played 6 matches and got two five-wicket hauls. However, because of certain team combinations, I haven't played red-ball cricket in a long time now. 

"My belief is always there to make a strong comeback in red ball cricket."

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

Bengal Ranji Team since playing the final in 2022-23 season has not been able to reach the knockouts in last two occasions. Here are the numbers to look out from the last three seasons.

Feb 14, 2025, 1:11 AM10 min read

Bengal Ranji Team in Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more | sportzpoint.com
Image | CAB

Since winning the Ranji Trophy in the 1989-90 season, when a player named Sourav Ganguly debuted for them in the final, Bengal have not been able to win the domestic title till now. From 2005 to 2007 they dominated the domestic circuit but came second twice in two seasons.

The last time they played in the Ranji Trophy knockouts was in the 2022-23 season when they lost against Saurashtra on their turf in Kolkata.

Post that final at Eden Gardens, two seasons have gone by and Bengal's quest for another Ranji Trophy title continued. In the 2024-25 season, they even failed to make it to the knockouts after average performances in the red ball format despite having a few national team players in action for them.

Bengal Ranji Trophy team 2024-25 | sportzpoint.com
Despite winning the final league match vs Punjab, Bengal failed to qualify for the knockouts of Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Image | CAB

In the last few years, Bengal Cricket have been accused of multiple issues such as a lack of home-grown talents, reports of age frauds and outstation players finding it easier to make themselves local players, reports of corruption in the second division and many more.

Today, we will not cater to those areas of Bengal cricketRather, we will have a deep analysis of what has happened within the team.

We will dig deep into numbers to analyze and discuss what might have gone wrong in the last three seasons for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. 

Keep in mind, that we have only taken the Ranji Trophy format and data into consideration. We will discuss the white-ball numbers in a different article soon.

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

Numbers and More: Bengal Ranji Team in Last Three Seasons

Here are a few findings from the last three seasons of the Bengal Ranji Team, collected by Sportz Point via BCCI.tv and ESPNCricinfo.

#1 | 13 opening combinations in three seasons

Bengal Ranji Team in Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more | sportzpoint.com
Ankit Chatterjee during his debut game in Kalyani. 

This has been the main pain point for Bengal in the last few seasons; the opening slot. Though they have the services of one of the Best domestic players in Abhimanyu Easwaran, they have found it hard to find a suitable partner for him.

Moreover, whenever Easwaran goes to any National team duty or India-A games, Bengal have not been able to replace him as well.

In the last three seasons, Bengal have gone for as many as 13 opening combinations. In the 2024-25 season, they had 4 different opening combinations. In the 2023-24 season, the number was 3 and in the 2022-23 season, the number was 6.

2024-25 opening combinations 

  • Ankit Chatterjee & Sudip Chatterjee (Match 6)
  • Ankit Chatterjee & Writtick Chatterjee (Match 5)
  • Shuvam Dey & Sudip Chatterjee (Matches 2, 3, 4)
  • Sudip Chatterjee & Abhimanyu Easwaran (Match 1)

2023-24 opening combinations

  • Sourav Paul & Shreyansh Ghosh (Matches 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  • Abhimanyu Easwaran & Ranjot Khaira (Match 6)
  • Habib Gandhi & Abhimanyu Easwaran (Match 7)

2022-23 opening combinations

  • Abhishek Das & Koushik Ghosh (Matches 1, 2, 5)
  • Koushik Ghosh & Abhimanyu Easwaran (Match 3)
  • Sayan Shekhar Mondal & Abhimanyu Easwaran (Match 4)
  • Karan Lal & Abhimanyu Easwaran (Matches 6, 7, 9)
  • Kazi Junaid Saifi & Abhimanyu Easwaran (Match 8)
  • Sumanta Gupta & Abhimanyu Easwaran (Match 10)

From the above list, it is quite obvious that Laxmi Ratan Shukla and the management have not been able to find a great opening pair which can last for a whole season. Though Sudip Kumar Gharami started as an opener, since he settled in at number three, Bengal has tried to use him only in that position.

Only the pair of Sourav Paul & Shreyansh Ghosh got five matches in a row in 2023-24 and the rest of them did not get that many consecutive matches to open as a pair. Yes, the availability of Abhimanyu Easwaran made that a bit tough as well.

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

#2 | 22 debutants in three seasons 

Sumit Mohanta making his first-class debut for Bengal | sportzpoint.com
Sumit Mohanta was the latest player to make debut for Bengal in first-class cricket. Image | CAB

Bengal team management gave first-class debut caps to as many as 22 players in the last three seasons, which largely speaks about the inconsistency this team has had.

Even if we clear out the accusations of having "club quotas" in less important games, we have a few interesting numbers to present. 

In the last three seasons, only Manoj Tiwary retired from all forms of cricket and we had Wriddhiman Saha and Sudip Chatterjee moving to Tripura to play first-class cricket. Besides that, players like Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep constantly stay busy with the national team setup.

Now, if you calculate the number of injuries to players like Ishan Porel and Shahbaz Ahmed, along with the different demands of the first-class arena, 22 debutants is a large number which can point to many distinct sections of the selection process.

Regardless of many arising questions in the Kolkata Club Cricket section, all of these 22 players performed quite well in Club cricket and age-level cricket to earn those selections. But, surely, the team combinations lacked consistency.

Players who made first-class debuts in the last three seasons for Bengal

Sumanta Gupta, Geet Puri, Ankit Mishra, Akash Ghatak, Ravikant Singh, Karan Lal, Suman Das, Habib Gandhi, Ranjot Khaira, Sourav Paul, Shreyansh Ghosh, Mohammed Kaif, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Rohit Kumar, Ankit Chatterjee, Sumit Mohanta, Vishal Bhati, Rishav Vivek, Avilin Ghosh, Shuvam Dey, Suvankar Bal, Subham Chatterjee.

#3 | 8 debutants played only one game in the last three seasons

Subham Chatterjee - Bengal Cricketer | sportzpoint.com
Subham Chatterjee is one of those 8 debutants who played only one game in last three seasons. Image | CAB

When any team select any player, there is something they see beyond the numbers. Numbers matter but the experience and gut feeling of those selectors matter more.

But, in the case of Bengal, we have seen a lack of faith in those talents. 8 out of those 22 debutants played only one game in a season. If you discount the debuts of Sumit Mohanta and Vishal Bhati, who debuted in the last game of this season, the number is six. 

Below are the players who played only one game after making debuts for Bengal in first-class since the 2022-23 season - 

Suman Das, Ravikant Singh, Habib Gandhi, Rishav Vivek, Vishal Bhati, Sumit Mohanta, Suvankar Bal, Subham Chatterjee.

Only pace bowler Rishav Vivek was injured after his first match and the rest of the players did not get a game after their first match.

Read Also | Bengal Women's Cricket Exclusive: Two out of two finals, record chase against Haryana, Jhulan Goswami, WPL and more

#4 | 17 players played two or fewer matches since the 2022-23 season

Shakir Habib Gandhi - Bengal Cricketer | sportzpoint.com
Habib Gandhi is another player who did not get a chance post his debut. Image | CAB

Here arises the question of consistency again. It might be the case of selectors or team management moving from one player to another quickly or players not impressing them enough in two games. But, a staggering 17 players have played two or fewer first-class matches in the last three seasons.

Again, we should cut the names of Ankit Chatterjee, Sumit Mohanta and Vishal Bhati from the consideration since they made debuts in the last two or final games of this current season.

Players to have played two or fewer matches in the last three seasons

Suman Das (1), Ravikant Singh (1), Habib Gandhi (1), Rishav Vivek (1), Vishal Bhati (1), Sumit Mohanta (1), Suvankar Bal (1), Subham Chatterjee (1), Kazi Saifi (1), Aamir Gani (1), Pritam Chakraborty (2), Geet Puri (2), Ranjot Khaira (2), Avilin Ghosh (2), Rohit Kumar (2), Ankit Chatterjee (2), Sumanta Gupta (2)

#5 | Anustup, Gharami, Easwaran and who?

Sudip Gharami and Anustup Majumdar batting together in Bengal vs Baroda 2022-23 Ranji Trophy match in Kalyani | sportzpoint.com
Sudip Gharami and Anustup Majumdar batting together in Bengal vs Baroda 2022-23 Ranji Trophy match in Kalyani.

If we take out the numbers of Bengal's top order batters, only Anustup Majumdar, Sudip Kumar Gharami and Abhimanyu Easwaran have scored the most runs for them in the last three seasons. 

Bengal played the Ranji Trophy final in the 2022-23 season when all three scored more than 700 runs in a season, which was pivotal to Bengal's success. Shahbaz Ahmed and Abishek Porel played a few fighting knocks down the order for them, but that has not been good enough to turn the tables so far.

However, in the last two seasons, both Anustup and Gharami have not been able to continue that form and that was visible in the Bengal's results column.

Bengal players with the most runs in the last three seasons

2024-25 

  1. Sudip Chatterjee - 441 at 55.12
  2. Sudip Gharami - 331 at 41.37
  3. Anustup Majumdar - 228 at 28.50 

2023-24 

  1. Anustup Majumdar 510 at 63.75
  2. Abishek Porel 377 at 41.88
  3. Abhimanyu Easwaran 337 at 168.50

2022-23 

  1. Anustup Majumdar 867 at 61.92
  2. Sudip Gharami 803 at 50.18
  3. Abhimanyu Easwaran 798 at 66.50

#6 | Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal - The Lone Warrior

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal - Bengal Cricketer | sportzpoint.com
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal has been Bengal's highest wicket-taker in last two Ranji Trophy Seasons. | Image - CAB

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal has been Bengal's only shining star in the last two seasons since making his debut in the 2023-24 season. The medium pacer took advantage of Ishan Porel's injury and the absence of Indian stars like Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar and came out as Bengal's best performer. 

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

Jaiswal took 31 wickets in 6 games in his first season and followed that up with 29 scalps in the next season. In both seasons, he was the highest wicket-taker for Bengal. 

Not only that, he also scored his maiden first-class ton this season, showing his all-round skill. 

Other than him, no Bengal player could make a name for himself in the last two seasons. Do not be surprised if Suraj gets a maiden India-A call-up soon as well. 

Most wickets for Bengal since Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal's debut

2024-25

  1. Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal 6 matches 29 wickets
  2. Mohammed Kaif 5 matches 17 wicktes 

2023-24

  1. Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal 6 matches 31 wickets
  2. Mohammed Kaif 6 matches 17 wickets

What future holds for Bengal Ranji Team?

Bengal Ranji Team in Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more | sportzpoint.com
Bengal Ranji Trophy captain Anustup Majumdar and head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla during a practice session. Image | CAB

There is no doubt that Bengal has one of their greatest players Laxmi Ratan Shukla as their head coach. But, with too many changes and chops within the team, it is high time that the team management shows faith in homegrown talents and gives them a long run at a first-class level. 

However, the most important thing would be that players raise their hands and perform at the domestic level. Players like Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal can be exemplary for them to learn and turn opportunities into success.

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Virat Kohli back in Ranji Trophy: Will the match be streamed LIVE?

Virat Kohli returns to Ranji Trophy after 12 years! The match will be streamed LIVE on Jio Cinema for free. Here are the details you need to know before the match.

Jan 29, 2025, 9:39 AM2 min read

Virat Kohli back in Ranji Trophy: Will the match be streamed LIVE? | sportzpoint.com

Virat Kohli is making his return to domestic cricket after 12 long years. The question which is booming around the internet is will the match be streamed LIVE?

Yes, Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated comeback in the Ranji Trophy will be streamed LIVE! Initially, the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match wasn’t on the broadcast schedule, but keeping the stature of the match in mind, BCCI and JioCinema have stepped in to stream the match LIVE.

Match Details:

  • Match: Delhi vs Railways
  • Date: January 30, 2025
  • Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
  • Live Streaming: JioCinema

A Grand Return After 12 Years

Virat Kohli In Ranji Trophy: When Did He Last Play and When to Expect His  Delhi Return? | Times Now

It has been over a decade since Kohli last played in the Ranji Trophy. His last appearance dates back to the 2012-13 season, making this return a nostalgic moment for fans and a significant boost for domestic cricket.

Given his stature in world cricket, this match could also be the last time Kohli plays a domestic game, adding to the excitement and emotions surrounding his return.

DDCA has announced that 10000 fans will be allowed at the stadium for free with first come first serve basis.

Read Also | Ranji Trophy 2024-25: What happened when Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma played Ranji Trophy games last time?

Other Matches to Be Streamed LIVE

Apart from Kohli’s match, three other key Ranji Trophy matches will also be streamed live on JioCinema:

  • Bengal vs Punjab
  • Karnataka vs Haryana
  • Baroda vs Jammu & Kashmir

Why This Match is Special?

Virat Kohli back in Ranji Trophy: Will the match be streamed LIVE? | sportzpoint.com

This is more than just a Ranji Trophy fixture for the fans. Kohli’s return could attract record-breaking viewership for domestic cricket, something rarely seen outside of IPL or international matches.

Moreover, Kohli, who has struggled for runs, will look to score some runs ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 to get himself ready. With Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal failing to score runs in their return to domestic cricket, it will be interesting to see how Kohli goes about his business.

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