/sportzpoint/media/agency_attachments/5J7QNb4CjhIemgV0IYQL.png)
/sportzpoint/media/member_avatars/dp isl.jpeg )
Follow UsMohun Bagan thrashed United Club in the CAB First Division Qualifier to qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament. Bengal's crisis man Anustup Majumdar led the mariners on the field in over 40 degrees heat at Gayeshpur Stadium in Kalyani. He shared his thoughts on Bengal's preparation for the second phase of the Ranji Trophy in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.
"We have been playing for Mohun Bagan for a long time now. This was an important match for the club. So it feels great to win the knock-out match," Anustup Majumdar was delighted with the win.
"CAB has done a great job in organising three-day matches before the second phase of Ranji Trophy. The semi-finals and final will be played in a four-day structure. So, it will be great for players to get themselves ready for the upcoming domestic season," Anustup added further.
It was the first time the senior Bengal cricketer was playing a match at the Gaysehpur stadium. He was very much impressed with the pitch quality although there was nothing for the bowlers on that pitch.
Read Also: "I believe now we can bounce back from any situation:" Bengal star Sudip Chatterjee
"The bowlers bowled their heart out. The wicket was great to bat on. We scored over 600, they scored 300 too. I think if they can make the outfield bit softer and make other arrangements, BCCI matches can be played here as well," Anustup said about the ground facilities.
"We have a team that is doing well under pressure"
Just like Sudip Chatterjee, his fellow teammate, Anustup thinks the Bengal team is getting better day by day and Bengal cricket is in safe hands right now.
"We missed the trophy last season by an inch. We as a team getting better day by. Players like Akashdeep, Shahbaz, Ishan Porel, and Writitck all are in the IPL teams as well and that speaks volumes for the quality we have in the team."
"Against Baroda, while chasing 340 we were down and out and then Abishek Porel and Shahbaz took us to the victory. Then in the next match, we were defending 240 and Akashdeep and Mukesh's spell along with Shahbaz took us over the line. So, you can see that now we have a team that is doing well under pressure. And, in the domestic arena teams that do well in tough situations, eventually, do better."
Read Also: "We always had the belief to win the match," says Abishek Porel who aims to take one step at a time
"We will have to win every session:" Anustup Majumdar
Bengal topped the group in the first phase of the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 season. They now have the momentum to make their way to what can be their biggest achievements in the last decade.
"Look, every situation is different. Yes, we have the momentum and this means the players will be confident when the tournament starts again. But, still, we will have to win every session and will have to improve day by day," Anustup Majumdar added.
Read Also: "Selection does not deject me anymore, I know my chance will come," says speedster Sayan Ghosh
Though the team has done collectively well, the seniors have not done well as per expectations. "Obviously, I am disappointed. I got out after 95 in one inning, then got out after 40 after getting set. As a senior player, I should have converted those into bigger scores. Yes, the wickets were bowler-friendly. However, I back myself to convert those scores into bigger ones."
"Senior players like me, Sudip, Manoj, Abhimanyu who has played the game for a long time now will have to cover the inexperience of young players like Sudip (Gharami) and Kazi," he added further.
Bengal is yet to win the Ranji Trophy since the 1989-90 season. They have reached the finals on three occasions since then. Anustup believes that this current Bengal team not only can win this year's silverware but can win 3-4 trophies in coming years.
He assured the fans by saying, "I believe this Bengal team will win 3-4 trophies in coming years. We have enough talent in the team to do so."