Mohun 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.
"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."
"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.
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."
Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Which matches will be streamed LIVE?
The Ranji Trophy 2025–26 is set to begin on October 15 and run until February 28, bringing some important changes to India’s most prestigious domestic cricket tournament.
The Ranji Trophy 2025–26 is set to begin on October 15 and run until February 28, bringing some important changes to India’s most prestigious domestic cricket tournament. This season, the BCCI has introduced a revamped promotion and relegation system, where only one team will move between the Elite and Plate groups, replacing the earlier system that promoted both Plate finalists.
A total of 38 teams will be participating, split across the Elite and Plate divisions, with a round-robin league phase followed by knockouts, leading up to the grand final on February 28, 2026. The top two teams from each Elite group will advance to the quarter-finals, resulting in an eight-team knockout stage.
Meanwhile, the Plate category includes six teams in one group, also playing a round-robin format. The leading four Plate teams then move into their own knockout phase to decide the Plate champion and rankings.
The tournament will be split into two phases, first from mid-October to mid-November, and then resuming late January until the knockouts in February. In total, 138 matches will be played throughout the season.
Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Live streaming Details
The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 will be streamed LIVE on the JioHotstar app and website, accessible via OTTplay Premium. However, not all of the matches will be streamed.
JioHotstar is the main platform for streaming live Ranji Trophy matches this season. Over the past few years, it has emerged as a preferred destination for fans to follow India’s domestic cricket, thanks to its consistent coverage of tournaments.
From Easwaran to Manoj: 12 Indian players who scored most FC runs without playing tests for India
From Abhimanyu Easwaran, Manish Pandey, to Manoj Tiwary, here are the 12 Indian players who scored the most first-class runs without playing tests for India.
Getting an Indian team call-up for any cricketer in India is a lot more difficult than debuting for another country. Because the game of bat and ball is so very popular in the sub-continent, almost everyone who instantly loves the sport wants to play for the Indian national team. Over the years, there have been many such instances where even the years of strenuous grind in first-class cricket have still not been enough for certain players to make their mark in the national team.
In this article, we will take a look at those 12 Indian players who scored the most first-class runs without playing tests for India.
Indian players who scored the most FC runs without playing tests for India
1. Amol Muzumdar | 11167 runs
Image | HT via Getty Images
Probably the unluckiest Indian ever to not play a test match for India. Amol Muzumdar, the domestic stalwart, scored 11,167 first-class runs while playing for Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh and India-A teams.
The right-handed batter has played 171 first-class matches in his career. He was the number three batter for Shardashram English school when Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli had their world-record 664-run partnership.
Due to great Indian batting lineup during his era, the Mumbai batter never got to play for India.
2. Manoj Tiwary | 10195 Runs
Tiwary after a milestone during a Ranji Trophy game. Image | Sportz Point
Although Bengal-born player Manoj Tiwary had a great first-class record, he never played Tests for India. Tiwary was a key figure for Bengal, scoring 10,195 runs in 148 matches, with a top score of 303*.
He even returned from retirement to captain Bengal in the 2024 Ranji Trophy, finishing his career in a big win over Bihar.
Manoj featured for India in 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is for India. But he was not given a chance to represent India in tests.
3. Devendra Bundela | 10004 Runs
Image | The Hindu
Devendra Bundela, the most capped cricketer in the history of the Ranji Trophy, had a phenomenal 23-season career in first-class cricket. Since making his first-class debut in 1995-96, Bundela emerged as the backbone of Madhya Pradesh’s batting. He finished with 10,004 runs in first-class cricket and 58 wickets in the bag in 2017.
Though Bundela couldn’t make it to India’s squad, the closest he came to earning an India call-up was when he toured the West Indies with the India A squad and was selected for the Board President’s XI against the touring New Zealanders in 1999.
4. Paras Dogra | 9996 Runs
Image | sportstiger
Paras Dogra etched his name into the history books as he became the highest run-getter in the all-time list in the Ranji Trophy.
Dogra had previously played for India ‘A’ and represented his home state, Himachal Pradesh, before shifting to Pondicherry for the 2018-19 to 2023-24 seasons. The right-handed batter has accumulated an impressive 9,996 runs in 143 first-class matches.
Yashpal Singh has played for Services in domestic cricket, where he boasted an average of over 60. He has been a prolific run-getter in the one-day format as well. He made his first-class debut against Delhi in 2001/02 and made two half-centuries against a strong bowling line-up of the opposition.
In his next match, he scored a double hundred, which included 10 sixes. Yashpal finished with 9777 first-class runs to his name while playing 134 matches.
Yashpal was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the first few seasons of the IPL, but was later signed by the Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011.
6. Faiz Fazal | 9184 Runs
Faiz Fazal was one of the most highly talented Indian cricketers to not get enough chances in the side. His only appearance at the highest level was against Zimbabwe in 2016. In the only ODI he played, Fazal scored an unbeaten 55*(61) and impressed everyone. Unfortunately, he never played for India again due to age not being on his side and a lack of backing.
Fazal played 138 matches in First-Class cricket and scored 9,184 runs at an average of 41.00. Additionally, he was a useful part-time bowler and claimed 23 and 7 wickets in First-Class and List A cricket, respectively.
Panchal's cricket career spans an impressive 127 First-Class matches, during which he accumulated 8,856 runs with an average of 45.18, including 29 centuries and 34 fifties.
Panchal’s red-ball exploits earned him a place in the India A side, which he captained in several matches. He received a couple of Test call-ups, coming closest to a debut during India's 2021-22 South Africa tour when he was named a replacement for the injured Rohit Sharma.
The other call-up was when he was announced as one of the back-up openers alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran in the 2021 home series against England. However, Panchal never got picked in the India XI.
Ankit Bawne has had an intriguing career. He made his first-class debut at 15, in 2007-08, and established himself as a regular in the Maharashtra side in three years. Since 2010-11, he has never averaged less than 45 in a Ranji Trophy season. Bawne has 8289 runs in 123 first-class matches.
Ankit Bawne also featured in India A‘s lineup during the recently concluded tour of England. Although he wasn’t able to put together big knocks.
9. Saurabh Tiwary | 8076 Runs
Image | Getty
Saurabh Tiwary's legacy in Jharkhand cricket is nothing short of legendary. With an impressive tally of 8076 first-class runs, 4050 List A runs, and 3454 T20 runs, he left behind a rich cricketing legacy that will be cherished for years to come.
Talking about his international career, the southpaw collected 49 runs in the three ODIs that he played for the country in 2010. But he never played test cricket for India.
10. Manish Pandey | 7823 Runs
Image | PTI
In one night, Manish Pandey went from being Karnataka’s next big Ranji hope to entering the record books. Life after that hasn’t been exactly smooth for the right-hander as he witnessed a mixed run of form in the domestic circuit.
Pandey smashed 7823 runs in 113 first-class matches. Pandey had a heartbreaking end to the 2009-10 season, when he almost took Karnataka to victory over Mumbai in the finals of the Ranji Trophy. However, his excellent 144 in the fourth innings was not enough as Karnataka fell short by 6 runs.
Having performed well in India’s tour of Zimbabwe proved that he has the potential to succeed at the highest level. He was picked in the Board President’s XI to play against South Africa in early 2010, and scored a pleasing 43, but fell when he looked good for more.
Despite being one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket, Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran has been constantly rejected from Team India’s Test squad. The former India A captain, who has 27 centuries to his name in first-class cricket, has carried drinks for the national team on multiple occasions but is yet to make his long-awaited international debut.
Easwaran’s domestic numbers highlight his consistency. In 104 first-class matches, he has scored 7,885 runs at an impressive average of 48.67, with 27 centuries and 31 fifties.
In List A cricket, he has 3,857 runs from 89 matches at an average of 47.03, including nine centuries and 23 half-centuries. Yet, despite these staggering statistics, the wait for his India debut continues.
A middle-order batter, Mithun Manhas, belonged to a generation when Indian cricket was dominated by Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. Despite being one of the consistent performers for Delhi in his long domestic career, Manhas couldn’t break into the Indian team, often proving that he was one of the many cricketers born in the wrong era.
Manhas has played 124 First-Class matches and scored 7691 runs. He also featured in the IPL for teams like the Delhi Daredevils, the Pune Warriors, and the Chennai Super Kings.
13. Sheldon Jackson | 7283 Runs
Sheldon Jackson had a successful domestic career. He was an integral part of Saurashtra winning the Ranji Trophy twice, in 2019/20 and 2022/23. He also won the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the domestic 50-over tournament twice, once as a rookie in 2007/08 and then as a senior pro in the 2022/23 season. He was Saurashtra’s leading run-getter in the 2019/20 Ranji triumph.
The middle-order batter has hung up his boots after scoring 7283 runs in 106 First Class matches at an average of 45.80, including 21 centuries and 39 fifties.
The BCCI has announced the schedule for the new BCCI domestic season 2025-26. BCCI not only announced the schedule for domestic tournaments, but also announced changes to the format of several key tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy.
The BCCI domestic season 2025-26 has been started with the Duleep Trophy beginning on August 28 and extended till September 15.
The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy will be held in two phases from October 15 to February 28. Significantly, two Plate Group teams will be changed this time. Till now, two teams were promoted and relegated from the Plate Group, but now only one team will be promoted to the Elite Division and one team will be sent to the Plate Division.
The BCCI added nine new teams to the Ranji Trophy in 2018-19, including states from the Northeast. However, this decision impacted the quality of cricket in the tournament. Meghalaya played in the Elite Division last season but lost all of its matches.
To address this, the Ranji Trophy format has been modified. The BCCI has decided to implement the same promotion and relegation system for all senior and junior multi-day tournaments starting in the 2026-27 season. This decision has been taken with the aim of maintaining competition in Indian domestic cricket and improving the quality of teams.
Zonal format returns to Duleep Trophy
Before the Ranji Trophy, the domestic season has been with the Duleep Trophy, which played from August 28 to September 15. It held in a zonal format. Players selected by a zonal selection committee.
The Irani Cup will be played from October 1 to 5. India's premier domestic T20 competition, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, will be held from November 26 to December 18. The Plate Division has also been reintroduced in this tournament.
Changes in SMAT
This season, teams will play three additional matches in the Super League round, along with the quarter-finals and semi-finals. The top teams from Group A and Group B will meet in the final.
Meanwhile, the six weakest teams from last season will play in the Plate Group. The BCCI also clarified that in all white-ball tournaments, the advancement of teams tied in the group stage will now be determined based on net run rate (NRR).
Bengal Cricket Exclusive: 'Dibbly Dobbly,' a Facebook page's creation, is helping cricket stories return to households
Bengal cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat this September as the Facebook community 'Cricket Club House' (CCH) launches its new Bengali cricket e-magazine, "Dibbly Dobbly," on September 23rd.
An image from Bengal vs Haryana Ranji Trophy match at Eden Gardens.
Bengal cricket fans have a reason to celebrate this September as 'Cricket Club House' [ক্রিকেট ক্লাব হাউস in Bengali](CCH), a Facebook page or community, prepares to launch an exciting new Bengali cricket e-magazine alongside an action-packed tournament. On 23rd September, coinciding with CCH’s birth anniversary, the group will release "Dibbly Dobbly,” a magazine priced at Rs. 80 that promises to engage cricket enthusiasts with gripping stories, expert analysis, and fun quizzes.
'Dibbly Dobbly' - A homage to unique cricket stories
The magazine features contributions from acclaimed Bengali sports writers like Kalarab Ray, Partha Dey, Saptak Sanyal and Anish Mukherjee, offering deep insights into the sport.
The unique title “Dibbly Dobbly” pays homage to the medium and part-time pacers of the 1980s and 90s, known for their surprising effectiveness, mirroring the humble but passionate spirit of the growing CCH community.
Beyond literature, CCH is energising the field with the “CCH PRESENTS: Camaraderie Trophy” cricket tournament, kicking off on 20th September at Bounce Turf in North Dumdum near ILS Hospital.
This competition will see eight teams of nine players each (including one impact player) battling it out in five-over matches with at least three group league games.
The winners will receive Rs. 7,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up will receive Rs. 4,000 and a trophy.Special awards for the Man of the Finals and the Man of the Tournament will also be presented. Team registration costs Rs. 3,500 and is open via WhatsApp.
A notable highlight is the inclusion of a women’s tournament, reflecting CCH’s commitment to promoting cricket among women from the outset. Despite limited resources, the group is organising all aspects of the magazine and tournaments with dedication, demonstrating strong vision and quality leadership.
CCH's vision - a new high in Bengali sports community
CCH’s drive to deliver high-quality events and content is already gaining traction within the Bengali sports community, laying the foundations for future expansion. The group is actively seeking visionary investors to support its mission of enriching the sports ecosystem through innovative cricket initiatives and events.
The controversy over the key members of the Indian Test team not being selected for major domestic cricket tournaments continues to grow. Now The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed strong displeasure over the exclusion of top international players like KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj from the South Zone team for the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
After this, the Board has officially written a letter to all the state associations asking them to give priority to the selection of centrally contracted players for this opening tournament of the domestic season.
South Zone announced its team on July 27. Many big names like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna and Sai Sudharsan were not included in it.
The Duleep Trophy, which begins in Bengaluru on August 28, is considered an important platform for domestic and national level talents. The board did not like the decision of the South Zone to not include these players in the team despite their availability during the off-season.
Abey Kuruvilla wrote the email
BCCI General Manager of Cricket Operations Abey Kuruvilla addressed the issue in an email sent to zonal coordinators and state units last week. According to the reports, Kuruvilla stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of all available Indian players to maintain the prestige and competitive level of the Duleep Trophy.
Kuruvilla wrote in the email, “To uphold its prestige and ensure the highest quality of competition, it’s imperative that all currently available India players are selected for their respective zonal teams. Requesting the Zonal Convenors to ensure that all the current India players who are available to play Duleep trophy should be picked.”
“All players, contracted or otherwise, who make themselves available for selection into Team India, shall participate in domestic matches conducted by BCCI,”
“In case any player opts not to participate in any domestic cricket tournaments in spite of availability, he/she shall not be considered for selection unless a prior recommendation is obtained to skip the match/tournament from the National coach and the chairman of the selection committee, and prior approval from the BCCI. In case any leave is granted, the same shall be considered on the basis of some valid and cogent reason.” the email said.
Instructions to give priority to domestic cricket
This directive is in line with the BCCI's policy of making participation of international players mandatory in domestic competitions. The board had previously warned players against giving priority to the IPL over first-class cricket and earlier this year reminded all contracted players to remain committed to the domestic calendar.
However, this instruction from BCCI has come after South Zone announced its team. It is still not clear whether the selectors will make any changes in their list or not. Tilak Verma was made the captain of the team.
Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer among many other players are expected to participate in the tournament representing their respective regions.
The state associations have previously expressed concern that the automatic inclusion of Indian stars in the regional teams overlooks Ranji players who have performed consistently throughout the season.
Many have argued that matches such as India A tours and Board President's XI would be a more suitable platform for international players, leaving regional tournaments as a rewarding avenue for domestic players.
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