Kolkata Club Cricket Exclusive: Mohun Bagan eye every trophy signing youngsters of Bengal cricket
Mohun Bagan Athletic Club are eyeing to win every trophy in the Kolkata Club Cricket next season as they are all set to create a squad full of youngsters.
Mohun Bagan Athletic Club are eyeing to win every trophy in the Kolkata Club Cricket next season as they are all set to create a squad full of youngsters. From Sudip Gharami to Ishan Porel, the green and maroon team is bringing the best from Bengal cricket for the next season to redeem their past glory. In a Kolkata Club Cricket Exclusive, we bring you the full squad of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club before they sign their players.
Mohun Bagan set to sign Ishan Porel and Sudip Gharami
Both Sudip Gharami (left) and Ishan Porel will be signing for Mohun Bagan Athletic Club for the 2023/24 season of Kolkata Club Cricket.
Mohun Bagan, the Kolkata Maidan giants, are all set to sign 22 players for their upcoming season. Among those 22, three will be outstation players, while others are homegrown talents from Bengal. Their biggest recruit of the season surely will be "Bengal Cricketer of the year 2023" Sudip Kumar Gharami and pacer Ishan Porel. Ishan will be coming from arch-rival East Bengal, while Sudip Gharami had an outstanding season for Kalighat Club. Sudip had scored 803 runs in 10 innings in the Ranji Trophy 2022/23 season. Both Ishan Porel and Sudip Gharami had played for East Bengal seasons back and had helped the team win two trophies in the 2021/22 season.
Along with Ishan and Sudip, wicket-keeper batter Shakir Habib Gandhi will be their other new recruit from Tapan Memorial. Habib was instrumental in Mohun Bagan winning the P.Sen trophy at the end of the last season where the Southpaw played an outstanding knock of unbeaten 157 in the final.
This season, along with their coach Pranab Nandi, who was very successful with East Bengal during his last term, Mohun Bagan have brought many players from their neighbour club. Railways cricketer Akash Pandey, Bengal all-rounder Sayan Shekhar Mondal, Ankur Paul and Arif Ansari are a few of them.
Mohun Bagan packs their squad with youngsters from Bengal Cricket
Ankur, who was named East Bengal's cricketer of the year for 2022/23, will be one of the batters to watch out at the top, along with Kazi Zunaid Saifi, who will be renewing his contract with the Mariners. With Arif coming into the squad, Mohun Bagan will have the good problem of having two great keepers at the club. Along with Arif and Habib, Suvankar Bal will also add to the competition of donning the gloves for the Mohun Bagan. Tauikuddin Mondal will be another exciting transfer for them. The young allrounder has been playing for Bengal in all under-age cricket and will be one of the players under the scanner this time.
In the pace attack, along with Ishan Porel, they have brought back Sayan Ghosh who had gone to Kaligaht from Mohun Bagan last season. Moreover, they will be singing Durgesh Dube, a young left-arm pacer from Bhawanipore Club. Rohit Kumar, Suman Das and Prakash Roy will be the other pacers in the squad.
Mohun Bagan Atheltic Club Full squad for 2023/24 Kolkata Cricket season
Arnab Nandi, who was a successful leader for the East Bengal club in the past, stated that they are trying to bring back that combination they had in East Bengal. "We're trying to bring that combination of East Bengal back here with Tultul (Pranab Nandi) sir and other players," Arnab told Sportz Point.
"We are eyeing every trophy. With the squad we have created, we are hopeful of playing great cricket. In the last few seasons, Mohun Bagan had the belief of having star players in the squad. But, this time, we are blending upcoming stars with experience," Arnab added.
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.
"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.
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
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.
Bengal wins the thriller against Chandigarh and marches forward to the semi finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024.
Former KKR bowler Sayan Ghosh was the star of the show as he picked up 4 wickets and defended 11 runs of the final over that helped Bengal come out on top. pic.twitter.com/ZdOl4soLSt
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.
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."
Ex-KKR pacer Sayan Ghosh in action for @Mohun_Bagan
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."
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.
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.
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
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."
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."
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.
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.
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 cricket. Rather, 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.
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
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.
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.
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
#3 | 8 debutants played only one game in the last three seasons
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 -
#4 | 17 players played two or fewer matches since the 2022-23 season
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 staggering17 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
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
Sudip Chatterjee - 441 at 55.12
Sudip Gharami - 331 at 41.37
Anustup Majumdar - 228 at 28.50
2023-24
Anustup Majumdar 510 at 63.75
Abishek Porel 377 at 41.88
Abhimanyu Easwaran 337 at 168.50
2022-23
Anustup Majumdar 867 at 61.92
Sudip Gharami 803 at 50.18
Abhimanyu Easwaran 798 at 66.50
#6 | Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal - The Lone Warrior
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.
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
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal 6 matches 29 wickets
Mohammed Kaif 5 matches 17 wicktes
2023-24
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal 6 matches 31 wickets
Mohammed Kaif 6 matches 17 wickets
What future holds for Bengal Ranji Team?
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.
Where Are They Now: Last Time Bengal Men's Cricket Team Won A Trophy
Bengal men's cricket team last won a trophy in 2012, when they lifted the Vijay Hazare Trophy, beating the mighty Mumbai team at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in Delhi.
Bengal with with coach WV Raman and support staff after winning the VHT in 2012. Image | CAB
Bengal men's cricket team last won a trophy in 2012, when they lifted the Vijay Hazare Trophy, beating the mighty Mumbai team at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in Delhi. 13 years have passed since then and the Bengal men's cricket team's dream for another trophy got prolonged every season.
Today, in this exclusive article on Bengal cricket, we will check out where those members of that Champion team are now.
Let me inform you first, despite being the Champions only twice in the Ranji Trophy and once in Vijay Hazare Trophy, Bengal have been one of the strongest teams in Indian domestic circuit for years. The team from Eastern India have been runners-up in Ranji Trophy for a record 13 times.
Meantime, in Vijay Hazare Trophy, they finished second 4 times.
Without further delay, let's get to know the "playing eleven" from that Champion Bengal team.
Bengal Men's Cricket team's journey in the 2011-12 Vijay Hazare Season
Bengal won four out of four games in the inter-zone group matches and finished as the zone champions with 19 points to reach the knockouts. Assam with 12 points qualified alongside them from the east zone.
In the first quarter-final, Bengal defeated a strong Madhya Pradesh by 15 runs to reach the semi-finals. Ashok Dinda took 5/54 and was named the player of the match. Anustup Majumdar scored 55 to help Bengal score 230 in the first inning.
In the semi-final, Wriddhiman Saha was the hero for Bengal as his unbeaten 53 from 71 balls helped them chase Punjab's 206-run target. Sourav Sarkar and Arnab Nandi were the pick of the bowlers for Bengal with two wickets a piece. Mohammed Shami added a valuable 22 from 7 balls at the back of the innings for Bengal to get them over the line.
The Mega Final: Mumbai vs Bengal
The mega final saw literally a one-man show from current Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla. The all-rounder first took 4 wickets while giving away only 38 runs in the first inning against a star-studded batting lineup comprising Wasim Jaffer, Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Nayar and Aditya Tare.
Mohammed Shami also picked up two wickets in the first inning. While chasing Mumbai's 249, Bengal lost Subhomoy Das in the first over. Mumbai captain Ajit Ajarkar trapped him in front of the wicket.
Shreevats Goswami (42 from 73) and Sourav Ganguly (38 from 53) tried to put a partnership but a few quick wickets after the departure of Ganguly pushed Bengal to trouble at 145/4 in 32.2 overs.
But, then it was the partnership between Anustup Majumdar (50* from 45 balls) and Laxmi Ratan Shukla (106* from 90 balls) thathelped Bengal chase down the total with 6 wickets in hands and 23 balls remaining.
Laxmi Ratan Shukla was the player of the final while Wriddhiman Saha was the top scorer of the tournament with 395 runs at an average of 98.75.
Shreevats Goswami pulling one during an IPL game between SRH and KKR in IPL 2018.
One of the most successful white-ball openers for Bengal, Shreevats Goswami was the first-ever "Emerging Player of the IPL". His white ball dominance and stroke-making ability helped him play 31 matches in the IPL.
Goswami recently announced his retirement and played in the Legends Cricket League and Big Cricket League. He is currently doing commentary for various platforms.
Subhomoy Das
Subhomoy Das as the Chairman of selection committee posing for a photo with other CAB office bearers.
The flamboyant opener, who featured in the Indian Cricket League, is currently a coach and a selector. He was the Chief Selector of Bengal's Men's Cricket team earlier and was appointed as the head coach of the Adamas Howrah Warriors in the Bengal Pro T20 League too.
Sourav Ganguly (Captain)
Sourav Ganguly is the Director of Cricket at JSW Sports
Probably one of the greatest Indian captains, Sourav Ganguly retired from all forms of cricket in 2012. Later, he joined the Cricket Association of Bengal as the President. He then went on to head the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as well.
Ganguly is currently associated with many associations and is the Director of Cricket at JSW Sports. Along with that, Ganguly also did commentary in between these years which fans loved as well.
Laxmi Ratan Shukla (291 runs and 11 wickets)
Laxmi Ratan Shukla is the current coach of Bengal Men's Cricket Team. Image | CAB
Laxmi Ratan Shukla is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of Bengal cricket. His ability to turn up in the most demanding situations for his team is a skill Bengal is still trying to replace.
Shukla won the Indian Premier League with Kolkata Knight Riders. Then he served as the Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, Government of West Bengal and is currently now the head coach of the Bengal Men's Cricket Team.
Wriddhiman Saha (395 runs)
Saha after scoring a 20-ball fifty in GT vs LSG match in IPL 2024. Image | BCCI
Saha isregarded as one of the finest keepers of Indian Cricket. After his domestic success, went on to play for India in 40 test matches. He also went on to become the first player to score a ton in an IPL final.
Wriddhiman has announced his international retirement and his final match would be the Bengal vs Punjab match in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 in Kolkata starting from 30th January.
Anustup Majumdar (277 runs)
Anustup Majumdar is the current captain of Bengal Ranji Trophy team.
Known as the crisis man of Bengal cricket, Majumdar was one of the highest run-getters for Bengal in that tournament. Anustup scored 1 century and 1 half-century, an important one in the final.
Majumdar is currently the captain of the Bengal Ranji team.
Debabrata Das
Debabrata Das going over going during KKR vs CSK game in IPL 2022. Image | AFP
Though Das could only score 85 runs including one fifty in the tournament, he went on to become one of the greatest strikers of the ball in Bengal cricket history. I hope you still remember the scene when Gautam Gambhir gave away his player of the match in IPL 2012 to a young player. It was Debabrata Das.
Das is currently a selector under the Cricket Association of Bengal.
Arnab Nandi during a club match for Mohun Bagan. Image | Sportz Point
Arnab Nandi is one of the most successful club cricketers in Bengal cricket. He was pivotal with his off-spin bowling and lower-order batting in both the finals Bengal played in recent years.
Though Nandi could not take Bengal over the line in the 2023 Ranji Trophy final, he was excellent for Sourav Ganguly's team in 2012. Nandi is still playing club cricket in Kolkata. This season he is leading the Kidderpore Sporting Club.
Mohammed Shami (11 wickets)
Mohammed Shami after striking early for India in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 final. Image | BCCI
This man needs no introduction now. Shami was an integral part of that champion Bengal team. The fast bowler took 11 wickets at 24.27 average in that tournament.
He was Bengal's highest wicket-taker alongside Shukla in the tournament. One year later, Shami made his international debut and as they say, the rest is history. He is India's highest wicket-taker in World Cup history.
Till now Shami has accumulated 448 international wickets so far in his career.
Iresh Saxena (8 wickets)
The former left-arm spinner took 8 wickets in that tournament and alongside Nandi, was Bengal's premier spinning option.
Saxena was also part of the KKR team in 2012 which won the Indian Premier League. Saxena currently lives in Greater London, England.
Sourav Sarkar
Sourav Sarkar teaching the nuances of bowling to young kids. Image | CAB
The tall medium pacer played in the final in place of Ashok Dinda and got the wicket of Suryakumar Yadav in the final.
In 2009, he played two matches for Kolkata Knight Riders. Sarkar played in 31 first-class matches and took 111 wickets as well.
He is currently a coach of the Bengal U-16 team.
Players who did not play in the final but were in the squad
Arindam Ghosh
Arindam Ghosh after his century for Railways in 2017. Image | PTI
A stalwart of Bengal cricket, who flourished for the Indian Railways team, Arindam Ghosh is still playing at the Club Level in Kolkata. Ghosh played 2 games for KKR in IPL 2009 and played 68 first-class games for Bengal and Railways.
Jayojit Basu
Jayojit Basu clicked during a club match for Mohun Bagan | Copyright - Sportz Point
Another top-order batter who did not take part in the final for Bengal. Jayojit Basu is one of the most successful batters in Kolkata Club Cricket's history. Despite scoring a lot of runs for clubs like Mohun Bagan, he could only play in 3 first-class and 8 List-A games for Bengal.
Basu is still playing at the club level in Kolkata and also takes part in Minor County Leagues in England.
Saurasish Lahiri during a training session for Bengal team. Image | Facebook
Saurasish Lahiri is one of the most successful spinners for Bengal in First-Class cricket. The spinner played in 100 first-class games for Bengal and took 256 wickets.
Lahiri retired in 2016 and is currently the head coach of the Bengal U-19 Men's Cricket team.
Sanjib Sanyal
Sanjib Sanyal training the young boys. Image | CAB
If it was not for Laxmi Ratan Shukla's presence in the team, Sanyal could have become a great name in Bengal cricket as well. The pace-bowling all-rounder played in 47 First-Class and List-A games for Bengal and Railways.
Currently, he is an assistant coach of the Bengal U-19 Men's Cricket Team.
Ashok Dinda (8 wickets)
Dinda after taking a T20I wicket in 2012. Image | BCCI
One of the greatest fast bowlers to play for Bengal, Ashok Dinda could only play 4 games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal in 2012.
However, Dinda had managed to make an impact even in those 4 games for Bengal. He took 8 wickets including a five-wicket haul. He also had an outstanding economy rate of 4.90 in the tournament.
Dinda went on to take 420 first-class wickets and took 151 List-A and 151 T20 Wickets as well. Dina played in 13 ODIs and 9 T20Is for India. Post his retirement Dinda became a MLA from Moyna from BJP. He is currently one of the coaches of CAB's project Vision 2028.
Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Bengal vs Haryana Highlights: Haryana beat Bengal by 283 runs to throw Bengal out of Ranji race
Read the highlights of Bengal vs Haryana match in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as Haryana defeated Bengal by 283 runs in Kalyani. Bengal are now out of the Ranji Trophy race.
Hello and welcome to Sportz Point's LIVE coverage of Bengal vs Haryana match in Ranji Trophy 2024-25. The match will be played at Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani.
This is Koushik Biswas, who will be bringing you all the LIVE updates of the match as Bengal look to qualify for the knockouts of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
Bengal need 369 runs to win; Suraj with a 10-wicket haul in the match!
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal took five-wicket hauls in both inning | Image - CAB
Bengal bowlers did well to wrap up the Haryana lower middle order quicky.
Mukesh Kumar took two wickets while Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, who had picked up 6 wickets in the first inning, took another five-wicket haul in the second inning.
Mohammad Kaif took 3 wickets in the middle for Bengal.
Bengal will now need 369 runs in the second inning to win the match.
Jan 25, 2025, 6:15 AM
Kaif with another breakthrough; Porel gets injured | Haryana 293/5
Soon after getting two wickets, Kaif cleaned up the stumps of Dheeru Singh in the 67th over.
But, unfortunate news coming from the ground that Bengal keeper-batter Abishek Porel got injured in his hamstring and needed medical attention.
Haryana 293/5 and leading by 325 runs.
Jan 25, 2025, 5:27 AM
Mohammed Kaif with two quick wickets for Bengal | Haryana 262/4
Mohammed Kaif provides the breakthrough for Bengal.
He first dismissed Sindhu to break the partnership. Sudip Gharami took a good catch.
Then he trapped Rana in front to get Haryana's fourth.
Haryana 262/4 and lead by 295 runs.
Jan 25, 2025, 4:20 AM
Haryana cross 200 in the first inning!
Haryana batters now making it easy for them. Their second inning score now goes over 200 with half-centuries from Himanshu Rana and Nishant Sindhu.
Rana is batting on 52 from 103 balls while Sindhu is striking nearly at a run-a-ball strike-rate. He is unbeaten on 61 from 78 balls.
Haryana 201/2 and leading by 233 runs.
Jan 25, 2025, 2:22 AM
Day 3
Mukesh Kumar in action on Day 2 | Image - CAB
Good morning, everyone!
This is Koushik Biswas again with all the updates of the Bengal vs Haryana match at BCA, Kalyani.
Visitors Haryana are in a dominating position in the second innings. They are currently at 158/2 with a lead of 190 runs.
Bengal would love to strike early in the morning session of day three. Mukesh Kumar needs to be among the wickets if Bengal wants to come back in the match.
They are in search of full six points from this match. They would definitely need their number one bowler to pick early wickets and help them make a match out of it.
Jan 24, 2025, 10:16 AM
Haryana cross 100! | HAR 105/1
Lakshya Dalal and Himanshu Rana have been solid for the second wicket partnership for the visitors.
Despite bowling economically, Mukesh Kumar and company have not been able to break the partnership.
Meantime, Bengal have introduced the spin of Pradipta Pramanik, who has gone for only 5 in 3 overs.
Jan 24, 2025, 8:56 AM
Haryana off to a quick start
Just like the first innings Haryana batters have been able to get a quick start to their innings.
Captain Ankit Kumar scored a quick 32 from 37 balls before getting dismissed by Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal.
Lakshya Dalal and Himanshu Rana are at the crease at the moment. Haryana 68/1.
Jan 24, 2025, 7:22 AM
Bengal all-out for 125 in the first inning
Bengal captain Anushtup Majumdar was clean bowled by Anshul Kamboj in the first innings. Image- CAB
Shocking batting collapse from Bengal team.
They are now bundled out for 125 in the first inning. Haryana with an important lead of 32 runs in the first inning. Abishek Porel with 31 topped the scoresheet for them.
Anuj Thakral finished with 31/6 for Haryana.
Jan 24, 2025, 7:03 AM
Bengal lose two more post lunch | BEN 109/8
Wriddhiman Saha and Pradipta Pramanik could not stay for long post lunch as Bengal lost two more in quick succession.
Saha (8) was dismissed Chahal while Pramanik (3) was dismissed by Thakral.
Bengal 109/8
Jan 24, 2025, 6:10 AM
Bengal with a batting collapse | BEN 101/6 at lunch
Abishek Porel scored a quick 31 from 17 balls. Image | CAB
This is not new for Bengal fans as they see another batting collapse from the team.
After Ankit's dismissal, captain Anustup Majumdar lost his stumps against Anshul Kamboj on a duck.
Sudip Gharami, who was looking good on 20, perished against Anuj Thakral.
Abishek Porel tried to take the game to Haryana, but was eventually dismissed by Thakral after a quick 31 from 17 balls.
At lunch, Day 2, Bengal 101/6 and trail by 56 runs.
Jan 24, 2025, 5:17 AM
Ankit goes after 29; Bengal 69/3
Debutant Ankit Chatterjee hit six boundaries before getting out. Image - CAB
Ankit Chatterjee, the debutant goes after a good looking 29 which included 6 boundaries!
Bengal 69/3; trail by 96 runs!
Sudip Gharami and captain Anustup Majumdar are at the crease!
Jan 24, 2025, 3:39 AM
Bengal lose their second | 10/2
Rohit Kumar has not been able to add any to his score. The night watchman has been trapped in front of the wicket by Kumar.
Kumar gets his second. Bengal 10/2.
Jan 24, 2025, 3:36 AM
Day 2!
Again, we can see lots of fog on day to here in Kalyani. Looks like there would be delay in today’s start as well.
Reminder for you, Bengal have lost one wicket in the day. Writtick Chatterjee was sent in as an opener was dismissed.
Debutant Ankit Chatterjee has been joined by night, watchman Rohit Kumar.
Jan 23, 2025, 11:09 AM
Suraj gets 6! Haryana 157
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal celebrating a wicket with Sudip Gharami in Kalyani. Image | CAB
Suraj gets his number six!
Haryana are all out for 157!
Excellent comeback from Bengal bowlers as they ripped through the middle and lower order of Haryana.
Jan 23, 2025, 10:36 AM
Suraj gets his third five-wicket haul
Excellent from youngster.
He gets his third first-class five-wicket haul.
The homes fans are elated as he nearly got his first hat-trick as well.
Haryana 157/9
Jan 23, 2025, 10:34 AM
Bengal bowlers make a huge comeback
Mukesh Kumar celebrating a wicket on Day 1 | Image - CAB Media
Mukesh Kumar and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal looked on fire for Bengal as they ripped apart the Haryana middle order after the early two wickets.
Lakshya Dalal was sent back by Mukesh Kumar in the 27th over and since then they have not looked back.
From 104/2 to 139/6, Haryana could not resist the the pace and swing from Mukesh, Suraj and Kaif.
Jan 23, 2025, 8:27 AM
Suraj gets his second | Haryana 87/2
That is what the crowd present at the BCA Ground in Kalyani wanted.
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal gets his second. It is like a replay of the first one.
He gets Himanshu Rana for 4 off 14 balls.
Haryana 87/2
Jan 23, 2025, 8:25 AM
Bengal get their first; but Haryana off to a great start
Finally, Bengal got the break through.
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal gets the Haryana captain Ankit Kumar clean bowled after a quick 57 off 56 balls.
Haryana 87/1.
Jan 23, 2025, 6:57 AM
Great start for Haryana | 63/0 after 12
Despite the weather being in favour of the bowlers, Bengal bowlers have not been able to get any wicket in the first session.
Mukesh Kumar and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal have not been able to hit the right areas and Haryana now have crossed fifty mark.
Captain Ankit Kumar has given them a quick start and is currently batting on 41 from 37 balls.
Lakshya Dalal has stood tall at the other end with 14 from 36 balls.
Jan 23, 2025, 6:01 AM
Toss Update
Ankit Chatterjee received his debut cap from Wriddhiman Saha
Bengal won the toss and elected to field first. Ankit Chatterjee makes his first-class debut.
At 15 years and 361 days old, Ankit became he second youngest Bengal player to play first-class cricket.
Jan 23, 2025, 4:41 AM
No update of Toss yet!
We have no update of toss yet! The sky is not clear and the fog is still there.
Jan 23, 2025, 3:13 AM
Toss is delayed
We still have lots of fog here in Kalyani and the toss is delayed. Not to forget last time we did not see a single ball being bowled in the Bengal vs Bihar match despite not much rain.
With the forecast, there is no chance of rain. But, the fog might disturb the start each day.
Let's hope the sun comes out very quickly.
Jan 23, 2025, 2:53 AM
Player to watch out | Sudip Gharami
Image | CAB
Sudip Gharami and Manoj Tiwary ensured a win for Bengal in 2022 at this same venue against Baroda. This time, he is already fourth year in his first-class career and also the white-ball captain of Bengal.
He will be key to Bengal's success with the bat.
Jan 23, 2025, 2:51 AM
Mukesh to be key for Bengal
Image | CAB
Mukesh Kumar, who was part of the Indian team last season, found himself out recently. He medium pacer was amongst the wickets when Bengal played in Kalyani last time in 2022.
This time without Akash Deep as the partner, all the onus will be on him.
Jan 23, 2025, 1:23 AM
Team News | Haryana
Haryana do not have any injury concern at the moment and will have the full squad available for the game.
Anshul Kamboj, who recently picked up 10-wickets in an inning along with off-spinner Jayant Yadav will be the players to watch to for them.
Jan 23, 2025, 1:20 AM
Team News | Bengal
Star opener Abhimanyu Easwaran will miss the match after getting injured during a club match. Meantime, Sudip Chatterjee, who was Bengal's best batter during the first phase might also miss the match due to injury.
In that case, Bengal U-19 batter Ankit Chatterjee and all-rounder Vishal Bhati will debut for Bengal. Not to forget, Bengal will also miss the services of Shahbaz Ahmed as well, who has undergone an operation recently.
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