Bengal cruising against Jharkhand in the quarter-finals of Ranji Trophy 2021-22. However, two decisions on the second day gone against Bengal where two youngsters were on the verge of milestones. Both Sudip Gharami and Abishek Porel were given out by the umpires. However, it was seen on the replay that both the wickets were not out. Former Bengal cricketer and current chairman of selection committee Subhomoy Das feels it would have been great if there was DRS.
"Yeah, it is a part and parcel of the game. Some goes for you, some goes against. However, it would have been great if there was DRS. Because you never know in a knock-out match like this, one decision might change the complexion of the match," Subhomoy Das said in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.
Despite all the umpiring saga, Subhomoy Das is very happy seeing youngsters Sudip Gharami and Abishek Porel repaying the faith of the selectors. "I had the trust on the talent of Sudip. He is a great talent. Technically sound and calm under pressure," Subhomoy Das added.
"I always believed that Sudip has the temperament to succeed. He is the next big thing from Bengal along with Abishek Porel. When no one believed that he should be in the team, I was clear in my heart that he will do well. And he scored in an important time as well. Happy for him," Das added further.
When few players were backed in the Bengal team, everyone had their eyebrows raised towards Bengal team management. However, Subhomoy Das believes they only back the players who they think can win matches for Bengal.
"Look you can't just select from stats. Then you could have use a robot to select players from stats. But, its our duty to test the talent and other features of a player and then support him," Subhomoy Das expressed.
Bengal is one such team where a 23-year old has scored a hundred and a 38-year old also went on to score a hundred for the team. This makes them one of the very strongest teams with the mixture of youth and experience. "We are setting an example for others. If you can win matches for your team, you will play for Bengal. Look, we are not depended on any particular player. Everyone in the squad can win matches for Bengal on any day. This is the kind of team environment we wanted to create," he added.
Along with Subhomy Das, National selectors like Kiran More, Debashish Mohanty and others were present at the ground to watch the Bengal players take on Jharkhand. "They all very impressed with Bengal players. I have personally told them to have an eye on Abishek Porel. They all are very impressed with his playing style. So, you never know what can happen in next two-three seasons. Porel might be knocking the Indian team's door if he continues to do well," Subhomoy Das added.
Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season
Ajinkya Rahane decided to step down from Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for forthcoming season. Rahane posted on X that he will continue to be available to play for Mumbai.
Veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane, on Thursday, has resigned from the captaincy ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. In a message on social media, Rahane made it clear that this is the time when the team should get a chance to develop new leadership.
Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour.
With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role.
'I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader'
Rahane posted on his social media account that he would not continue as Mumbai captain in Ranji Trophy but would continue to represent the side as a player.
“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with @MumbaiCricAssoc to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season,” Rahane wrote on his X account.
Mumbai Team under Rahane's captaincy
Under Rahane's captaincy, Mumbai achieved stability and success in domestic cricket. Under his leadership, Mumbai ended a seven-year drought by winning the Ranji Trophy in 2023–24. Apart from this, he also led the team to victory in the Irani Cup in 2024-25 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2022-23. These victories took his captaincy to new heights.
Despite giving up captaincy, the 37-year-old, who has scored over 14,000 runs in 201 first-class matches, made it clear that he is not retiring. He will continue to represent Mumbai as a batsman in all formats.
Rahane said that he will work for the team as a batsman with full enthusiasm and commitment. His main goal is to bring success to the team and help the new captain in his development.
India allrounder Shardul Thakur will lead the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for forthcoming season.
Thakur leading Mumbai was always on the cards especially after he was appointed as West Zone captain for Duleep Trophy. It is understood that the Mumbai senior selection committee spoke to Rahane before the season and had taken his feedback about future captaincy candidates.
Thakur has been playing a vital role in Mumbai’s Ranji success over the past few years. In addition to wickets, he has also bailed out Mumbai with lower-order runs. He also scored 505 runs for Mumbai last season where he slammed one hundred. He also took 35 wickets in nine matches.
Bengal Cricket: Sudip Gharami and Tanusree Sarkar win C.A.B Cricketer of the Year Awards 2025; Rahul Prasad shines in U23
Sudip Gharami and Tanusree Sarkar won the C.A.B. Cricketer of the Year 2024/25 awards for men's and women's, respectively. Rahul Prasad won everything in the Men's U23 category. Dhara Gujjar won the highest run getter in Senior Women's ODI award.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is all set to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its cricketers as it announced the awardees for the 2024-25 season. The awards ceremony will recognise exceptional talent across various categories, spanning senior men’s, senior women’s, and junior levels, including under-23, under-19, under-16, under-15, and club league categories.
When is the C.A.B. Award Ceremony?
As per multiple reports, the C.A.B. Award Ceremony for the 2024-25 season will take place on 30 August 2025 at the Dhana Dhanya Auditorium in Kolkata.
Who are the winners?
Sudip Gharami was named the C.A.B. Cricketer of the Year for 2024-25 season. Image | CAB Media
In the senior men’s category, Sudip Gharami was named Cricketer of the Year, while Shahbaz Ahmed and Sayan Ghosh shared the Gentleman Cricketer and Best Fast Bowler awards, respectively. This is the second time Gharami will recieve the Cricketer of the Year Award.
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal wins C.A.B. Highest Wicket-taker of the Year Award for consecutive seasons. Image | C.A.B. Media
Sudip Chatterjee earned the Highest Run Getter for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, andSuraj Sindhu Jaiswal will be honoured as the Highest Wicket Taker in the same tournament.
Tanusree Sarkar won the Best Senior Women's Cricketer of the Year Award. Image | C.A.B.
The senior women’s category saw Tanusree Sarkar and Dhara Gujjar clinching the Highest Run Getter awards in the T-20 and One Day Tournaments, respectively, with Saika Ishaquerecognised as the Highest Wicket Taker in the T-20 Tournament. Tanusree also won the Best Senior Women's Cricketer of the Year Award.
Both Tanusree and Dhara are with the India-A team in Australia at the moment.
Rahul Prasad won all the awards in U-23 Men's Category. Image | C.A.B.
Among the junior categories, Rahul Prasad dominated the under-23 men’s section, securing multiple awards, including Best Cricketer and Highest Wicket Taker.
Dyuti Paul won the Best U-23 Women's Cricketer of the Year Award. Image | C.A.B.
Dyuti Paul and Sushmita Ganguly shone in the under-23 women’s category, with Paul named Best Women's U-23 Cricketer and Ganguly as the Highest Wicket-taker for Bengal in Women's Under-23 One Day Tournament.
In the under-19 category, Vishal Bhati emerged as a key figure, winning Best Cricketer and Highest Wicket Taker, while Ipshita Mondal led the under-19 women’s section with the Highest Run Getter awards.
Sachin Yadav and Sandipta Patra were standout performers in the under-16 and under-15 categories, respectively, with Yadav named Best Bowler and Patra the Highest Run Getter.
The club league category will see Sayan Paul being honoured as the Best Under-19 Cricketer, rounding off a comprehensive recognition of talent across all levels.
Exclusive: 'Honoured' Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal can't wait to bowl alongside Indian pacers in Duleep Trophy 2025
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal has taken 60 wickets in the 12 first-class matches he has played so far in his career for Bengal. He was the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both seasons he has played.
East Zone announced their squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 on Friday, featuring a bowling lineup reminiscent of an Indian team, including Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep.However, there is one Bengal pacer who made an entry into the squad after performing well in Ranji Trophy in last two seasons.
Bengal's medium pacer all-rounder Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal has been named in the West Zone squad. Ishan Kishan will lead the side, whereas Abhimanyu Easwaran will be the vice-captain of the team. Right after his selection, Suraj shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.
Suraj nearly left cricket in 2023
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal won the player of the match medalfor his 8-wicket haul against Assam in Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Image | CAB
There was one time when Suraj wanted to leave cricket and went into depression. Suraj had already lost his father, but his mother, brother and coach supported him immensely, and their belief turned into a result when he got selected for the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season after a great season with Calcutta Customs Club.
Since then, Suraj has been Bengal's highest wicket-taker in consecutive seasons and has taken60 wickets in just 12 first-class matches at an outstanding average of 15.43. Suraj feels it is his consistency and process that have given him the results so far.
"Feeling very happy after the selection. These selections give you more confidence that I have been doing well. But, I will have to justify this with better performances," Suraj told Sportz Point.
Reflecting back on his journey, Suraj feels he is on the right track but needs to focus on the present without looking too far.
"You know that I was about to leave cricket. But, I have been able to go through that period and representing Bengal in Ranji Trophy was a dream. Now, when I am going into the next stages of Indian cricket, I need to focus on the things at hand and do what has worked well for me."
Suraj in the background as Shami delivered ball during MP vs Bengal Ranji Trophy match. Image | PTI via ESPN Cricinfo
It will not be new for Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal to bowl alongside Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar or Akash Deep. In the 2024-25 season, Suraj bowled in tandem with India's one of best, Mohammed Shami. But getting selected for the East Zone team when all of these three bowlers are available makes it more special for him.
"To be honest, I am honoured. Getting into a squad where all of them (Shami, Mukesh and Akash Deep) are there feels special. All of them have played for India, and I am just willing to learn as much as possible from them."
However, it is quite clear as well that with Shami, Mukesh and Akash Deep being there, it would be hard for Suraj to get a game. But for Suraj, he never thinks about selection before the match. For him, selection is never in his hands, and that's why he does not want to think about something which is not under his control.
"Even in Ranji Trophy, I do not think about selection. I try to focus on the preparation and getting ready for them. That has been my habit. So, in Duleep Trophy, I will just focus on my preparation," Suraj expressed.
It was in tournaments like the Duleep Trophy where Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep made their names before getting that India cap. Is Suraj thinking about that too?
"No. I just want to keep doing what I have done well to get here," he answered.
"Yes, the dream is to get there (the Indian team). But I do not want to think too far and lose my focus. I trust in God and whatever he chooses for him. I just want to keep improving myself."
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal scored his maiden first-class ton against Punjab at Eden Gardens. Image | CAB
Apart from his bowling, Suraj last season proved himself with the bat as well. With his maiden first-class ton against Punjab in the last of the season, Suraj showed he is ready to be an all-rounder as well. By the way, he also took 8 wickets in that match.
"It is about contributing to the team, with bat, ball or fielding. Helping the team is the main goal. Yes, I have been working on my batting as well. So, feels good to have a first-class ton beside my name, but I need to keep improving.
Exclusive: "Watch out for him," Shreevats Goswami's statement for Akash Deep in 2020 is proving right now
Only after Akash Deep's second Ranji Trophy game in 2020, Shreevats Goswami warned the cricketing world to watch out for him. Shreevats shared his thoughts on Akash Deep after his sensational performance at Edgbaston.
The entire cricketing world now recognizes the name Akash Deep, who dismantled the English batting lineup at Edgbaston, helping India achieve a historic victory in Birmingham.
His first-ever 10-wicket haul in a match places him alongside the greats of Indian cricket, such as Chetan Sharma, Kapil Dev, and Ishant Sharma.
Not only that, he has now listed himself beside legend Michael Holding for dismissing four of England’s top five batsmen in a single Test innings (Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ollie Pope), all without catches, relying on bowled or LBW dismissals.
"Keep an eye on this guy," Goswami tweeted in 2020
Shreevats Goswami with Akash Deep at Eden Gardens. Image | Shreevats Goswami on X.
Shreevats Goswami, a former Bengal and IPL cricketer, recognised early on that Akash Deep was destined for the international stage. In fact, he was the first to alert the world about Akash Deep back in 2020.
Right after Akash Deep's only second Ranji Trophy game, where Akash Deep picked up a five-wicket haul, Shreevats tweeted out, "Keep an eye on this guy, AkashDeep is a rare 'fast 'bowler in domestic cricket. Surely to watch out for in future. And he can tonk a few too."
Keep an eye on this guy , Akash deep is a rare “fast “ bowler in domestic cricket . Surely to watch out for in future. And he can tonk a few too . https://t.co/2wXw3MUHsg
"Yes, I knew from the beginning that he was built for greatness," Shreevats told Sportz Point after Akash Deep's historic spell at Edgbaston.
Reflecting on Akash's maiden five-wicket haul in an innings, Shreevats remarked, "It was just a matter of time. After the first inning, I called him and said that he would get it in the second inning."
Akash Deep laoding for a delivery during a Ranji Trophy game in 2023.
What led him to believe Akash Deep could become a future international star? "It was his pace and strength," Shreevats replied.
"He was raw. Some bowlers hit the gloves very hard, and Akash Deep was one of them," he recalled, emphasising the potential he saw in him during the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments.
"He was very young back then, and I knew with time, he would get faster and stronger. This is exactly what happened in the next two to three years."
In the next three years, Akash Deep played in the Indian Premier League alongside his favourite Virat Kohli and also helped Bengal reach the final of the Ranji Trophy, and then in 2024 went on to earn the Test cap as well.
"You see him, you will notice how strong he is - physically and mentally. He has gone through so many tough times, but nothing could distract him from his goal.
Great singing for @RCBTweets . Akash deep is a gun bowler who can clock 140+ consistently. He’s fit and strong . Have been amazing for Bengal recently . So happy for him ! Amazing guy too . Hope he gets a few game to show his class . pic.twitter.com/cyWe47djWJ
Akash Deep's journey - a testament to mental strength
Akash Deep at Eden Gardens after signing for Barisha Sporting Club.
Since his early days, Akash Deep has faced many challenges in his career and personal life.
Born in Bihar, he initially encountered rejection from his father regarding his pursuit of cricket. In 2010, he moved to Durgapur, West Bengal, in search of a job and later relocated to Kolkata.
With the assistance of a few local club officials, he signed with the United Club and began his journey in Bengal cricket. He excelled in local club cricket and was soon fast-tracked to the Bengal U-23 team, where he played a pivotal role in helping Bengal reach the final of the C.K. Nayudu tournament and win the U-23 One-Day tournament.
He quickly progressed to the Bengal senior team, and as they say, the rest is history. Even a career-threatening back injury and the loss of his brother and father within six months in 2015 could not break his mental resolve.
Following the Edgbaston Test, he revealed that his sister is battling cancer and dedicated his performance to her. These experiences illustrate his remarkable mental toughness.
Akash Deep after a picking up wicket in Ranji Trophy in 2023.
Along with his resilience, another quality that sets Akash apart is his hunger for improvement and greatness.
"He used to live in the C.A.B. dormitory. Many cricketers were around, but whenever I visited the indoor facilities or gym, I would always see Akash Deep putting in the effort. He always had the hunger to reach the international level," Shreevats shared.
Akash Deep after dismissing Ben Duckett. Image | X
Shreevats feels Akash Deep's ability to hit the wicket hard and extract something from the pitch will help him even on flatter pitches. Moreover, he can beat the batter's outside edge and inside edge, which makes him more threatening.
"He will beat your outside edge and inside edge. This is something which sets him apart from the other domestic bowlers."
"Look at the wicket of Joe Root - how he went wide of the crease, angled the ball and then straightened it to get Root out was just incredible."
Along with Joe Root's wicket, Shreevats was impressed to see how Akash Deep got Ben Duckett out. He feels that if Akash Deep and Ben Duckett face each other more in test cricket, he will make Ben his bunny.
"Just like Stuart Broad made David Warner his bunny in test cricket, I have the feeling that Akash Deep can also make Ben Duckett his bunny. Around the wicket, with the new ball - he will be deadly," Shreevats expressed.
— All Cricket Records (@Cric_records45) July 6, 2025
Who should share the new ball at Lord's?
After taking his 5-wicket haul, Akash Deep sprinted joyfully to the dugout to hug Bumrah and Shardul Thakur.
Shreevats feels that in the next test at Lord's, Akash Deep should share the new ball alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Throughout the entire second test, Akash Deep showed how lethal he is with the new ball, and that is why he wants him to run in with the new ball.
"He is capable of getting you wickets in any given situation. But, just how he has got Duckett and others out, I feel he should share the new ball along with Bumrah," Shreevats said.
Besides his bowling, Shreevats has always praised Akash Deep's batting ability from the start. He feels that Akash can even score a test ton in the next three to four years, given the opportunity.
Mita Paul’s all-round performance helps Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers clinch Bengal Women's Pro T20 League for the successive seasons
Mita Paul's brilliant all-round performance helped Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers clinch the Bengal Women's Pro T20 League for the second time in a row, beating the Sobisco Smashers Malda.
Mita Paul going for a big shot. Image | CAB on Facebook
Named Player of the Match, Mita Paul’s performance was nothing short of legendary, blazing an innings of 51 runs off just 52 balls and then slicing through the opposition with the ball, claiming 2 crucial wickets for just 12 runs in a miserly spell of 3 overs. Her heroics not only anchored her team’s innings but also dismantled the Malda batting line-up when it mattered most.
Batting first, Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers were bowled out for 104 in 19.5 overs. Apart from Mita’s knock, Parna Paul chipped in with a useful 14. For the Sobisco Smashers, Jeni Parveen was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 8, but her efforts fell short in the face of Mita’s dominance.
Image | CAB on Facebook
In reply, Sobisco Smashers Malda collapsed to 22 for 4 in just 5.2 overs, failing to cope with the twin spin threats of Mita Paul and Prativa Mandi (2-0-10-2). None of the Malda batters could reach double digits, underlining the complete dominance of the Tigers’ bowling unit.
This electrifying win cements Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers’ reputation as fierce competitors and showcases Mita Paul as a true match-winner, rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
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