Kalighat Cricket Club signed one of the most prominent names in Indian domestic cricket for the upcoming season of Kolkata Club Cricket . The club had already surprised each and everyone by signing the legendary trio of Anustup Majumdar, Manoj Tiwary and Wriddhiman Saha. Now, they have signed a player with more than 500 first-class wickets along with 300 wickets in List-A and T20s combined.
Kalighat sign Shahbaz Nadeem
Yesterday Kalighat Cricket Club announced the signing of Jharkhand legend Shahbaz Nadeem, who has played two tests for India, taking eight wickets in those games. The left-arm spinner has an experience of 140 first-class and nearly 300 white-ball games for Jharkhand and India A.
Shahbaz Nadeem is considered as one of the unluckiest Indian domestic cricketers, who had to wait for long to get that Indian cap. But, finally, he was called up as a cover for injured Kuldeep Yadav in Ranchi Test of 2019-20 against South Africa, where he made his test debut in front of his home crowd.
At the time of his test debut, Shahbaz had already taken 424 first-class wickets, 81 of which had came while playing for India-A. The left-arm spinner always had to suffer the rejections from the selection panel due to playing for a state whic used to play against weaker teams in the domestic circuit.
Not only that, before his debut, he had the best List-A figure as a bowler, when he took 8 wickets for 19 runs against Rajasthan in the 2018-19 season. Along with that, Shahbaz had taken more than 40 wickets in three seasons, but ended up in the other spectrum of the selection news.
He was so unlucky that even after becoming the highest wicket taker in the Ranji Trophy 2015-16 season, he wasn't called for the Rest of India squad for the Irani trophy. However, the 35-year-old has lived dream of playing for India and still is an unmovable force in Indian domestic cricket.
Nadeem so far has taken 542 first-class wickets alongside 175 wickets in List-A and 125 wickets in T20s.
With a player in stature of Shahbaz Nadeem playing for teams like Kalighat in Kolkata Club Cricket, it becomes an opportunity for youngsters of Bengal to learn the art of spin bowling from one of the best in India. With already legendary players like Manoj Tiwary, Wriddhiman Saha and Anustup Majumdar in the team, it would be great for the Kolkata Cricket Club fans to watch Shahbaz Nadeem playing alongside the Bengal heroes in the upcoming season.
Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "We all know this game can make us heroes to the fans," East Bengal's Satyaki Dutta ahead of Kolkata Derby
Satyaki Dutta, who saw East Bengal lose two semi-finals last season despite scoring centuries, is only focused on winning trophies for the red and gold.
Satyaki Dutta has been one of the most underrated cricketers in Bengal over the past few seasons. The young batting all-rounder progressed through the ranks of Kolkata club cricket and has been playing for East Bengal since last season.
Despite scoring two centuries in two semi-finals last season, he could not lead East Bengal to victory. This season, having made it to the semi-finals again, he is determined to bring the trophy to East Bengal fans.
Ahead of the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby against arch-rival Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, Satyaki shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.
"Always tried to focus on my strengths"
Satyaki after one his hundreds in club cricket for East Bengal. Image | C.A.B.
Despite being one of the most consistent batters in Bengal, along with his ability to bowl wholeheartedly for his team, Satyaki has yet to break through to the senior Bengal team. Not only that, despite winning the "East Bengal's Cricketer of the Year Award", Satyaki was told he was not good enough by many.
But just like many champion athletes, this has only made him stronger and better. Besides working on his strength, Satyaki made sure he found the small loopholes in his game and worked on them under East Bengal coach Abdul Monayem.
"I have always tried to focus on my strengths. I know what my capabilities are. And, when you're playing for a public club like East Bengal, you have to keep on improving," Satyaki told Sportz Point.
Satyaki Dutta taking a look at his bat. Image | C.A.B.
Last season, Satyaki came very close to making the Bengal team, but it didn't happen for him. He understands that until his dream of wearing the Bengal cap is fulfilled, he must continue to find ways to improve each day.
"Playing first-class cricket is my dream. Everyone in Bengal starts playing with that dream only. Obviously, even if you do not want it, it runs at the back of your mind. But, I know, if I can help big teams like East Bengal win trophies, I will be getting closer to that dream," Satyaki added.
Satyaki Dutta going for a big shot in a club game. Image | C.A.B
In the 2023-24 season, Satyaki was East Bengal's highest run-getter, but despite that, there were questions about his intent and strike rate. Satyaki worked on that during the entire off-season so that he could minimise any weakness in his batting. His 50 from 39 balls against Shambazar Club in the C.A.B. First Division Championship quarter-finals is a testament to that.
"After last season, there were a few questions asked about my strike rate. This season, I have worked hard on that and am trying to bring out more intent in my game. I feel this can take my game to another level if I can keep up the intent I have shown," Satyaki expressed.
Satyaki shows his bat to the dressing room after a fifty. Image | C.A.B
Since Laxmi Ratan Shukla's retirement, Bengal have tried to find the next pace bowling all-rounder for years, but none has been able to cement his place with great performances. Satayki knows there is a tough battle between a few of the players for just one or two places in the team.
Interestingly, this competition extends to the East Bengal team as well. Ayan Bhattacharjee, one of the finest all-rounders, is also vying for a spot on the Bengal team and is Satyaki's teammate at East Bengal.
Competition? For Satyaki, it is all about doing well for the team.
"This is quite public now. Four or five players are fighting for that place in the Bengal team. There is nothing to hide that Ayan and I are also fighting for that place. But for both of us, it is all about doing well for East Bengal. Rest is in the hands of selectors and God," Satyaki stated.
"Moreover, you have to remember that I play as a batting all-rounder while others play as a bowling all-rounder," he added.
Satyaki Dutta after his ton in a club game for East Bengal. Image | C.A.B.
Satyaki does not want to focus on all of these equations of selections, next season, the Bengal Pro T20 League. His main focus is now the big semifinal against Mohun Bagan. Satyaki knows the value of a Kolkata derby, and his heartbreak from last season is only making him prepare better for the clash.
"Last season, we lost two semi-finals. I scored two centuries, but in a team game, winning the trophies is the biggest goal. This season, I want to play that final, and for that, I am willing to do anything," Satyaki described.
"I know it won't be easy against a team like Mohun Bagan. But we have a team that can take on any team. We all know the value of a Kolkata derby. This match can make anyone a hero. Let's hope we can bring joy to East Bengal fans this time," the all-rounder manifested.
Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat," Ranjot Khaira's Aussie mentality is a booster for Mohun Bagan
Post a solid 124 to help Mohun Bagan Athletic Club qualify for the C.A.B First Division Championship semi-final, Ranjot Khaira is now ready to take on East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby.
He has played for East Bengal and won trophies with them. But, like many big stars of Kolkata Maidans, Ranjot Singh Khaira will now be taking on his old team in a big semi-final for Mohun Bagan in a special Kolkata derby coming this week.
The 26-year-old top-order batter has regained his confidence after scoring an important 124 for Mohun Bagan A.C. in the C.A.B. First Division Championship Quarter-final against Mohammedan Sporting Club to reach the semis.
But now, he will take on their arch-rival of the Kolkata maidans and his former team East Bengal in a mouthwatering semi-final clash at Videocon Ground, starting from 24th April. Before the mega semi-final, Ranjot shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.
From his U-19 days, Ranjot has been renowned as a free-flowing batter who just loves to dominate the opponent whenever there is an opportunity. This mentality quickly earned his LIST-A debut in 2021. But, since then, he has been in and out of the team and only played 13 T20s, 3 LIST-A and 2 First-class games for Bengal.
But after scoring in an important game, Ranjot feels this score has done a lot for his confidence, and he has regained his self-belief.
"Confidence plays a key role in every player's career. But self-confidence comes from doing well in games. Only game time can help us regain that self-belief we lack. So, a big score for a club like Mohun Bagan and in a knockout match has certainly helped me regain my confidence," Ranjot told Sportz Point.
Talking about his limited opportunities for Bengal in the last four years, Ranjot said, "You cannot judge someone with one or two games. You have to see if he/she has been given a chance in the long run or not. Then you can evaluate."
"Surely, I could have done better in the chances I got. But I feel I had a good debut in the Ranji Trophy, but again, I got injured in the next match," Ranjot added.
"I want to make a name for myself"
Ranjot Singh Khaira earned his List-A debut in 2021. Image | C.A.B.
Since Ranjot had to sit out in many games due to team combination, the top-order batter has now started bowling as well, which was once his biggest strength. "I have started bowling again. I am feeling good with my leg spin. It feels great. I feel I am ready to contribute to my team's success with bat, ball and fielding," Ranjot expressed.
"I want to make a difference when I play. I know the value of a name. That’s what I want for myself; to make a name for myself in this beautiful game," Ranjot shared.
Ranjot played for Mohun Bagan's biggest rival East Bengal in the past. Image | C.A.B.
But how do you make a name for yourself? Ranjot knows the formula. Since his childhood, he has been part of big teams in Kolkata and has already played for three of the biggest cricket clubs of the Kolkata maidan. He knows, scoring in big games for big clubs and helping them win trophies is something that gets valued more than anything in Bengal cricket.
"If you are playing for any of the big four clubs in Kolkata, the competition is already tough. There is pressure and expectations to win trophies. That is why it is important to do well in these kinds of knockout matches."
"I have heard from childhood that you have to score in these kinds of big games to get recognised in Kolkata Club cricket or Bengal cricket overall. The fans and the club want nothing but the trophy. This is what makes it more special."
"When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat"
Ranjot Singh Khaira after his ton in C.A.B. First Division Championship quarter-final | Image - C.A.B.
However, we all know that having the formula and executing it in the field are two different things altogether. So, how does Ranjot Sing Khaira execute things?
"It has always been a simple formula for me. When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat. Do not give them any chance to rise and make a comeback," Ranjot stated.
"Like, if you take the quarter-final game. Though we scored 380, we knew it was chaseable. So, in big games when you are playing against good teams, you need to make sure that when you have them under pressure, you pin them down," he added.
Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "My time will come," confident Habib Gandhi after 168 in first division quarter-final
Shakir Habib Gandhi slammed an unbeaten 168 for Bhowanipur Club against Barisha Sporting Club, which helped them chase down 430 runs in the C.A.B First Division quarterfinal match.
Habib Gandhi after his ton in quarter final. Image | C.A.B.
Bengal wicket-keeper batter Shakir Habib Gandhi has been quietly performing in club cricket for the last few years, and despite being in and out of the Bengal squad, he feels his time will come eventually. To prove he is on the right track, the left-handed batter slammed an unbeaten 168 off 170 balls for Bhowanipur Club against Barisha Sporting Club in the C.A.B. First Division Championship Quarter-final match.
Habib Gandhi's remarkable innings helped Bhowanipur chase down Barisha Sporting's mammoth 430-run target at at Videocon Ground in Kolkata. After his stunning inning, the 25-year-old batter shared his thoughts with Sportz Point in an exclusive interview.
"The team has a trophy-oriented mindset"
Habib Gandhi has already scored three double hundreds this season. Image | C.A.B.
Gandhi has already scored three double tons this season for Bhowanipur Club. His form has not only helped the club qualify for the knockouts but has also helped them qualify for the semis. But, as per the batter, the team's mindset of being hungry for a trophy has helped him keep going for big runs throughout the season.
"Bhowanipur is one of the most successful clubs in Kolkata, and I feel the team has a trophy-oriented mindset, which keeps every player on their toes. You have to keep improving yourself whenever you play in this kind of team," Habib Gandhi told Sportz Point.
But doing it in the league stage and doing it in the knockouts is something different. According to Habib, he never puts himself under pressure thinking about knockout games. He just wants to keep the process simple and play as per the demand of the team.
Habib after his ton in the quarter final against Barisha Sporting Club. Image | C.A.B.
In the quarter-final, Bhowanipur were under huge pressure after the first inning. Although the pitch seemed to be batting-friendly, chasing 430 was never easy. Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran got out after a good 51 off 71, but Jayojit Basu's 81 from 109 balls kept them in the game.
Post that it was all about Habib's inning that helped Bhowanipur get over the line. The young wicket-keeper batter had the calculations in mind, and this helped him not to hurry in a big chase like this.
"I knew we needed about 4 runs per over. So, it was all about playing the whole 90 overs. I kept telling myself that if I stayed till the end, and took the game deep, we would go over the line," Habib expressed.
But what was the initial plan of the Bhowanipur club? "This is a champion team. We have some great talents and experienced players in the batting lineup. Inclusion of Abhimanyu (Easwaran) enhanced that to another level. So, the plan from the beginning was to bat the whole 90 overs," he answered.
"Very happy that I was able to do what the team had planned. Nothing feels greater than this when you successfully execute the plans set by the team," Habib added.
Habib going for a shot at B.C.A Kalyani during the club matches | Image - C.A.B.
However, despite doing well in the club cricket, Habib has not got enough chances in the Bengal squad in the last few seasons. Since making his T20 debut for Bengal in 2023, he has only played in 12 T20, 5 List-A and 1 First-class games.
Habib knows he has not been at his best while playing for Bengal and can do lots of great things for the state team.
"My job is to keep doing well in whatever chances I am getting. I want to keep improving and keep winning games for the team. It has never been an individual thing for me. I want to help teams win trophy. And, this pushes me to score big and finish games," Habib shared.
"I feel my time will come if I continue to improve and help the teams win," he added.
Habib Gandhi now has his eyes set on the big semi-final against Kalighat club and wants to keep Bhowanipur Club in the quest to defend their title. The Bhowanipur vs Kalighat semi-final will start from 24th April and continue till 26th April.
Bengal Cricket: East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Kalighat and Bhowanipur qualify for the Championship semis
Kolkata club cricket's big four, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Kalighat and Bhowanipur Club, qualified for the semi-finals of the C.A.B First Division League Qualifier and Championship Playoffs.
Kolkata club cricket's big four, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Kalighat and Bhowanipur Club, qualified for the semi-finals of the C.A.B First Division League Qualifier and Championship Playoffs on Sunday in four grounds across Bengal.
East Bengal defeated Shambazar Club handsomely by 8 wickets, while their arch-rival Mohun Bagan defeated Mohammedan Sporting Club by 22 runs to reach the final four.
On the other hand, Kalighat managed a narrow one-wicket win over Town Club. But, Bhawanipore made the headlines by chasing down Barisha Sporting's mammoth 430-run target with 21 balls remaining in the match.
East Bengal beat Shambazar by 8 wickets
From left to right: Abhisek Das, Writtick Chatterjee, Kanishk Seth, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal and Satyaki Dutta after the win. Image | Facebook
Kanishk Seth ran through the Shambazar Club in the first inning with his lethal left-arm pace bowling at the Deshbandhu Park Ground in Kolkata. Seth picked up three wickets for 32 and was well supported by Bengal's highest wicket-taker of the last two seasons, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal.
Suraj broke through the top order while Kanishk made sure the middle order did not get any momentum. Suraj picked up three wickets for 42 while captain Writtick Chatterjee also took two important wickets to ensure East Bengal had only 180 to chase in the second inning.
During the chase, Abhisek Das and Satyaki Dutta gave them a great start, despite an early wicket of Akash Ghatak. Abhisek remained unbeaten on 70 while Satyaki departed after a 50 from 39 balls. Captain Writtick Chatterjee also played a quick-fire knock of 44 from 21 balls as the red and gold won by 8 wickets.
Writam Porel's gritty 96 helped Kalighat beat Town Club by 1 wicket
Writam Porel earned player of the match for his unbeaten 96. Image | C.A.B
Despite Yuvraj Keswani's stunning 106, Town Club's 280 in the first inning did not prove to be enough as Writam Porel's unbeaten 96 took Kalighat over the line in a nail-biting finish at Aditya School Ground in Barasat.
Town Club in the first inning posted 280, depending on Yuvraj's ton and Avirup Gupta's 53. Arun Chaprana was the pick of the bowlers for Kalighat with 4/42.
During the chase, Kalighat lost their openers quickly, but captain Anustup Majumdar scored 60 from 88 balls to keep them in the chase. But it was heroics from veteran Writam Porel that saw Kalighat qualify for the final four.
Writam remained unbeaten on 96 while he lost partners from the other end. Though Kalighat were short of the total after the full overs, a penalty of 86 runs helped them win by 1 wicket.
Mohun Bagan defeated Mohammedan Sporting by 22 runs
Rohit Kumar returned with a spell of 4/68 for Mohun Bagan. Image | C.A.B
Gitansh Khera and Ranjot Singh Khaira's incredible tons, along with Rohit Kumar's 4 wickets, helped the Green and Maroon brigade beat Mohammedan Sporting by 22 runs to reach the semis.
Both Gitansh and Ranjot scored 124 in the first innings, which helped Mohun Bagan put 380 in the first innings at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani. Vaibhav Yadav was the star of the show for Mohammedan with the ball as the left-arm spinner picked up six wickets for 108 for the black and white brigade.
In the second inning, captain Sudip Chatterjee fought a lone battle with a stunning 125 for Mohammedan along with Sambit Roy's 95. But, eventually, they fell short by 22 runs despite earning a penalty of 27 runs.
Rohit Kumar was influential for Mohun Bagan with a stunning spell of 4/68.
Habib Gandhi's heroics take Bhawanipore to the semis
Habib Gandhi scored 168 from 170 balls for Bhawanipore club. Image | CAB
Shakir Habib Gandhi's unbeaten 168 from 170 balls helped Bhawanipore chase a mammoth 430 against Barisha Sporting Club at Videocon Ground in Kolkata.
Kazi Junaid Saifi's 161 and Sumanta Gupta's 107 helped Bhawanipore put up a huge total of 429 runs in the first inning. Aamir Gani picked up three wickets in the first inning.
During the chase, Bhawanipore captain Abhimanyu Easwaran departed after scoring 51 off 71, but Jayojit Basu's 81 from 109 balls kept them in the game.
However, it was all about Shakir Habib Gandhi's stunning 168 from 170 balls, which helped Bhawanipore chase down the total with four wickets in hand and 21 balls remaining in the match.
Bengal Cricket: YMCA (College Branch) Clinches Thrilling Victory in Relegation Final, BNR Relegated to CAB Second Division
YMCA (clg. branch) defeated BNR by 1 wicket in a thrilling C.A.B First division relegation final after chasing a mamoth 399 total at J.U. Second Campus Ground. Bharat Naidu and Deepak Shaw were the heros for YMCA.
Bharat Naidu with the player of the match award. Image | C.A.B
In a nail-biting finish at the JU 2nd Campus Ground, Salt Lake, YMCA (College Branch) pulled off a stunning one-wicket victory against BNR Recreation Club in the deciding match of the CAB First Division Relegation Tournament 2024-2025 on Tuesady.
Chasing a daunting 399, YMCA’s gritty batting effort ensured they retained their First Division status, while BNR Recreation Club will now compete in the CAB Second Division from the next season.
BNR Started Strong With the Bat
Irfan and Hamza scored hundreds BNR in the first inning.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, BNR Recreation Club set the tone with a commanding batting display. Mohammad Irfan blazed his way to a scintillating 132 off 120 balls, smashing six fours and seven sixes, while Hamza Ali anchored the innings with a steady 100 off 131 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes.
Vikrant Singh Rajput’s 68 off 62 balls added late impetus, helping BNR reach a formidable 398/7.
For YMCA, Adil Alvi toiled hard, finishing with 2 for 103, while Gaurav Kumar and Pijush Laha struck crucial blows. Three run-outs, including those of Vaibhav Pandey (40) and Mohit Roy (26), kept BNR in check, preventing an even larger total.
Bharat Naidu scored 117 for Y.M.C.A to laid the foundation of the chase. Image | C.A.B
YMCA (College Branch) faced a steep challenge after BNR posted 398/7 in 85 overs on Day 1. However, a collective batting masterclass on Day 2 saw them overhaul the target, finishing at 401/9 in 84 overs.
Bharat Naidu led the charge with a composed 117 off 176 balls, anchoring the innings with 11 fours and two sixes. Rahamat Gayen (65 off 104) provided crucial support, while captain Gaurav Kumar’s aggressive 59 off 66 balls kept the momentum alive.
The match-defining knock came from Dipak Shaw, who remained unbeaten on 63 off 48 balls, steering YMCA past the finish line with a blend of composure and flair.
BNR’s bowlers fought hard, with captain Abhijeet Bhagat claiming 3 for 72, including key wickets of Ajoyendra Mukherjee, Adil Alvi, and Shivam Dixit. Suman Das (2 for 59) and Dharmendra Thakur (2 for 55) also chipped in, but YMCA’s resilience proved too much to overcome.
Follow Us
/sportzpoint/media/media_files/OQkBKeXo37tryyPIYPGd.webp)
