"I take every game as my last," Bengal all-rounder Sayan Sekhar Mondal is only focusing on the next ball

Sayan Sekhar Mondal is one of the most prominent names in Bengal Cricket for the last 13-14 years. The all-rounder has kept knocking on the Bengal cricket's door with his performances whenever he was dropped from the team. After doing well for East Bengal last year, Sayan was called back for the first phase of the Ranji Trophy and did well in the opportunities he got. The Bengal all-rounder spoke about his comeback and future plans in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

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Making a comeback in the first-class arena is never easy. And, when you are playing in a competitive league like Kolkata where many other state players are also given a chance, it surely gets tougher. However, post his shoulder injury, Sayan nearly broke the door to make his comeback to the team.

"In the 2017-18 season, I got a shoulder injury that prevented me from bowling. And as an all-rounder, if one of your aspects is off, it gets hard to stay in the team. Luckily I performed well last season for East Bengal and I was called back," Sayan said on his comeback.

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Sayan Sekhar Mondal made his first-class debut way back in 2009 at Kolkata against Baroda. But, somehow in the last 13 seasons, he has played only 20 first-class matches.

"In the initial 6-7 years, I was dropped after playing one game. I did not even get a chance to reapply myself. One bad game and I was dropped. I played only 5 games in those years. It was Siairaj Bahutule who gave me a few opportunities in a trot. I was getting games when I did well. It was justifying when I was dropped after not scoring runs in three games," Sayan added.

In this season's Ranji Trophy the left-hander has played two games for Bengal. He batted at number 4 against Hyderabad, and at eight against Chandigarh. But, if he was given a chance, he would love to bat at the number 6-7 position for Bengal.

"I think 6-7 will be the position I will choose considering the fact that I will bowl as well. So, it will give me a chance to take a breather," he answered.

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But, batting up and down the order is always tough at any level of cricket. However, for Sayan now at his age, he believes he just needs to focus on the next ball irrespective of the position he is batting.

"Seriously speaking, I take every game as my last match now. So it does not matter where I am batting. I am just trying to focus on the next ball and watching it till as last as I can. I know if I fail they won't reconsider me again," Sayan answered with a smile on his face.

Bengal will face Jharkhand in the Quarter-finals of the second phase of the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 season. So, winning the first inning will be very much crucial for every team. Moreover, with the break every team had, every team will be at their peak strength in the knock-outs.

"I believe the wickets will be batting friendly in Bangalore. So, a first-innings lead will be very crucial. Moreover, the wickets will help the spinners as well. Therefore, my role as a third seamer will be influential as well," Sayan Sekhar Mondal added.

"The team spirit has been great. It is not that we are depending on one player. Anyone who has got the chance has contributed. So, we are in good shape as a team. I hope that we can deliver when it matters the most," the all-rounder added further.