Sudip Gharami scored a magnificent 186 in the Ranji Trophy Quarter-finals to give Bengal a commanding position against Jharkhand. The 23-year old right-hand batter was backed by the Bengal team management even after a poor run in the first phase of the season. Sudip's inning was full of flair as he never looked getting out against prominent domestic bowlers like Shahbaz Nadeem and others.
Gharami had already scored his maiden first-class ton in the first day of the quarter-final. He was on his way to make it his maiden double ton of his first-class career. However, that did not went according to plan as he given out on 186 off Rahul Shukla. Although, it was seen in the replay that the ball had never touched his bat. But, Sudip had to return back to the dressing room with a disappointed face.
"Well, you saw what happened. But this is part and parcel of the game. Sometimes the decisions will go my way as well. Obviously feeling disappointed but you can not do anything about that," Sudip said in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.
"Yes, the 200 was back of my mind. But I wanted to play a longer inning. The communication in every break was that I have to bat longer as I was batting well," Sudip added.
Sudip Gharami did not had a great start to his first class career. But, he was prepared to repay the faith of the team management even before boarding the Bangalore flight. "It feels great to repay the faith as I had told you. But, I know I can do better and for longer period. The main thing is that, everyone in that team believes that I can do better things for Bengal. This is very special for me," Sudip expressed.
After coming back from U-25 tournament, East Bengal coach Pronab Nandi had changed some techniques of the young batter. And, those little things turned into gold for Sudip Gharami. "As a batter you know every simple basic thing matter. Tultul sir (Pronab Nandi) changed some of my basics which I applied during this match. I am feeling more confident on my technique now," Sudip added.
During his inning of 186 runs, Sudip scored 105 runs against Anukul Roy and Shahbaz Nadeem combined. He had a definite plan of playing the sweep against those left-arm spinners to distract from their line and length.
"Yes, I had that in my mind. But as the wicket was a bit slower, I tried to play the paddle sweep more. I tried to play the shot finer. Playing the paddle sweep every now and then was part of my plan. I think I was successful in doing that," Sudip told.
Along with Sudip, another senior Bengal player Anustup Majumdar scored a century for Bengal. "Playing with players like Ruku da (Anustup Majumdar) and Manoj (Tiwary) da makes it easier for me. They keep guiding you every now and then, which is great. I am very happy that I was with Ruku da when he completed the hundred," Gharami added.
Bengal is now at 577/5 after Day 2, with Manoj Tiwary and Shahbaz Ahmed batting at the crease. They will look to bat as long as possible as a lead in the first inning will confirm their place in the semi-finals of Ranji Trophy 2021-22.
"Yes, the longer we bat the better it will be for us. We at first need to make sure we have the lead. Then if there are chances we will go for the kill. But, the longer we bat, the less the bowlers will have to bowl on this wicket, (which is still good to bat on). The plan would be to keep the bowlers fresh for the semis," Sudip Ghrami added.
Bengal Cricket: Aryan Club Clinch CAB Women's One-Day Title with Dominant 47-Run Win
Tanusree Sarkar's attacking 76 from 50 balls and Priyanka Bala's unbeaten 45 helped Aryan Club win the CAB Women's One-Day Title by 47 runs against Mohun Bagan A.C.
Aryan Club (Women's) delivered a commanding performance to secure the C.A.B. Women's Club Cricket League (One-Day) Tournament 2024-2025 title, defeating Mohun Bagan A.C. (Women) by 47 runs in a thrilling final at the 22-Yards SP School Ground.
Powered by a blazing knock from captain Tanusree Sarkar and a disciplined bowling effort, Aryan Club showcased their dominance in a match that had fans buzzing with excitement.
Tanusree Sarkar scored an attacking 76 off 50 balls. Image | C.A.B.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Aryan Club got off to a steady start with opener Dyuti Paul (23 off 23) and Sujata Dey taking the score to 28 for the first wicket.
However, it was captain Tanusree Sarkar who stole the show with a scintillating 76 off 50 balls, smashing 10 fours and a six at a strike rate of 152. Her aggressive strokeplay set the tone for Aryan’s innings.
Priyanka Bala’s unbeaten 45 provided the perfect foil, anchoring the latter half with composure, while Jhumia Khatun chipped in with a quickfire 18. Despite Diya Nandi’s 2/38 for Mohun Bagan, Aryan Club posted a formidable 171/4 in their 25 overs, setting a challenging target.
Sritama Nandi was the star with the ball with her 4/29 | Image - C.A.B.
Chasing 172, Mohun Bagan A.C. (Women) got off to a rocky start, losing Sneha Gupta (3) in the second over to Susmita Ganguly.
Captain Ankita Chakraborty led the fightback with a resolute 46, partnering with Diya Nandi (32) for a crucial 71-run stand. However, Aryan’s bowlers struck back with precision.
Sinjini Sarkar (2/28) removed both set batters in quick succession, triggering a collapse. Tanusree Sarkar (1/22) and Sritama Nandi (4/29) ran through the middle order, with Nandi’s sensational spell dismantling Mohun Bagan’s hopes.
Dipa Das (29) and Puja Rajak (13) showed fight, but Jhumia Khatun’s late wickets, including a stumping, sealed Mohun Bagan’s fate at 128 all out in 25 overs.
Bengal Cricket: Bhowanipur Club Snatch Thrilling 5-Run Victory in First Division One-Day Final
With 19 runs off the final five overs with two wickets in hand, East Railways fell short by 5 runs despite a great fight. Bhowanipur clinched the C.A.B. First Division One-Day trophy for consecutive seasons.
In a nail-biting finale to the C.A.B. First Division (Senior Knock-Out) One Day Tournament 2024-2025, the defending champion Bhowanipur Club edged out E. Rly. Sports Association by a mere 5 runs in a 50-over thriller at the J.U. 2nd Campus Ground.
Easwaran played a steady knock of 57 for Bhowanipur. Image | C.A.B.
Opting to field after winning the toss, E. Rly. Sports Association struck early, with Nikhil Singh dismissing Bhowanipur’s opener Jayojit Basu for 7 in just the second over.
However, a gritty 57 from captainAbhimanyu Easwaran steadied the ship, anchoring the innings with a composed knock. Aamir Gani’s classy 65, laced with five boundaries, and Vivek Singh’s explosive 58, featuring six fours and two sixes, propelled Bhowanipur to a competitive total.
Despite regular wickets, including a fiery spell from Tanmoy Pramanick (2/32) and Saiket Das (2/36), Bhowanipur managed to post 207 all out in 49.5 overs, thanks to a late flourish from Rajkumar Pal (26) and Ravi Kumar (18*).
Ravi Singh played a crucial knock for Eastern Railway. Image | C.A.B.
Chasing 208, E. Rly. Sports Association’s innings was anchored by a sensational 96 from Ravi Singh, who smashed six fours and two sixes in a match-defining knock.
Arijit Basu’s steady 44 provided early stability, but Bhowanipur’s bowlers kept the pressure on.
Ravi Kumar (2/40) removed opener Shivam Gautam early, while Aamir Gani’s spin accounted for Basu. The middle order struggled, with Jesal Karia (3/35) and Rajkumar Pal (3/25) wreaking havoc, dismissing key batsmen like Deepanshu Chaudhary and Priyam Sarkar.
As the chase reached its climax, E. Rly. needed 19 runs off the final five overswith two wickets in hand. Nikhil Singh (29*) and Swapnil Choudhary (30) fought valiantly, but a sharp run-out by Rajkumar Pal and a final blow from Ravi Kumar, who trapped Wazid Hussain lbw, sealed the deal. E. Rly. finished agonizingly short at 202 all out in 49.1 overs.
Aamir Gani was adjudged the player of the match for his all-round brilliance.
C.A.B. postpones Bengal Pro T20 League 2025 amid rising tension between India and Pakistan
The Cricket Association of Bengal (C.A.B.) has postponed the second season of the Bengal Pro T20 League due to rising tension between India and Pakistan.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (C.A.B.) has postponed the second season of the Bengal Pro T20 League due to rising tension between India and Pakistan.
The women's tournament was about to start on May 16 in Birbhum, while the men's tournament was set to kick off from June 4 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
In an official press release, the C.A.B. stated, "Considering the prevailing national circumstances, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has decided to postpone the start of Bengal Pro T20 League Season 2 and thus all pre-events related with it, until further notice. A revised schedule, including updated venues and fixtures, will be shared after a detailed review of the situation in coordination with relevant authorities and stakeholders and any advisory as issued by the BCCI."
"In these testing times, the Cricket Association of Bengal stands in full solidarity with the nation. We wholeheartedly support the efforts of the Government of India and salute the courage and dedication of our armed forces, whose unwavering service under Operation Sindoor is a source of pride and inspiration for all Indians."
"Cricket has always united us, but in moments like these, we are reminded that our foremost duty is to the country. The CAB remains deeply committed to the principles of national unity and security, and every step we take will reflect that commitment."
"We are grateful to all the stakeholders of the League for standing by us and for their shared resolve to prioritise national interest over everything else."
Exclusive: "I would love to see more sixes, more runs," Shreevats Goswami wants bigger scores in Bengal Pro T20 League 2025
Shreevats Goswami, the former Bengal and IPL cricketer, would love to see more sixes and bigger scores in Bengal Pro T20 League 2025 to attract more fans and IPL scouts.
The second season of the Bengal Pro T20 League is set to commence on May 16, starting with the women's tournament, while the men's tournament will begin on June 4. Although the first season was relatively successful, the fans were somewhat disappointed by the limited runs scored by the batters. Shreevats Gowasmi, a former Bengal and IPL cricketer, hopes to see more runs this season to attract both scouts and fans.
Goswami, a 2008 ICC U-19 World Cup winner and the recipient of the 2008 IPL Emerging Player of the Year award, shared his insights in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.
"Youngsters should focus on performing in state tournaments like BPT20L
Sudip Gharami (left) and Mukesh Kumar with the Bengal Pro T20 League trophy before the final last season. Image | Facebook
The former left-handed top-order batter, who is a commentator and cricket analyst now, emphasised the significance of local state leagues in a recent Instagram post, highlighting the necessity for players to focus on these leagues before aspiring for larger platforms like the Indian Premier League.
"I.P.L. teams are always on the lookout for unknown talents who can surprise opponents. Players like Priyansh Arya, Aniket Verma, Vignesh Puthur, and Digvesh Rathi were relatively unknown before entering the I.P.L. All of them made a significant impact in their first few games. This is what teams are currently seeking," Goswami told Sportz Point.
"Since I.P.L. teams now send scouts to observe performances in state T20 leagues, there's always a possibility of getting noticed through these leagues. Thus, players must concentrate on delivering strong performances in tournaments like the Bengal Pro T20 League," he added.
In addition to providing a platform for players, Goswami believes these leagues can also benefit the states by helping identify the next generation of cricketers.
"With these leagues comprising 5-7 franchise teams, they offer a pool of players to evaluate. This also aids states in discovering their next wave of talent. So, it works well for both young players and the states," Goswami expressed.
Read Also | Exclusive: Bowls like Malinga, once doubted by her family, Nadia's Sonali Das is set for Bengal Pro T20 League dreams after an 8-wicket haul in School Cricket
"I would love to see more sixes and bigger scores"
Anustup Majumdar playing a cover drive during Bengal Pro T20 League 2024.
To attract fans and impress scouts in a T20 format, significant scores and exhilarating last-ball finishes are crucial. These elements highlight the skills of the batters while challenging bowlers in high-pressure situations similar to those encountered in the I.P.L.
For example, Priyansh Arya made headlines in the Delhi Premier League by hitting six sixes in an over during his knock of 120 runs off 50 balls. Ashwani Kumar bowled six yorkers in an over in the Sher E Punjab T20 Trophy in 2024.
"The only thing I want to see this season in the Bengal Pro T20 League is big sixes and bigger scores. More scores in the range of 180-200, or even greater, will challenge the batters to aim for large hits during chases, while also providing opportunities for bowlers to excel in demanding conditions," Goswami stated.
"However, given all the I.P.L. matches and club games throughout the season, it may be challenging to secure batting-friendly pitches. Nevertheless, I am confident that the C.A.B. will make an effort to prepare batting-friendly wickets this season," he added.
Virat Kohli practising in an open net for RCB. Image | RCB
To achieve high scores and experience impactful performances, Bengal's highest run scorer of Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy feels that batters need to adopt a more fearless approach. As one of Bengal's greatest white-ball batters, he advises players to engage in open net sessions to enhance their hitting skills.
"I would recommend that young batters spend more time in open nets. See if you can clear the boundaries or not. Aim to hit 100 sixes every day from the centre of the ground. This will help them understand their abilities and better prepare for matches," Goswami shared.
Using the example of a talented 14-year-old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shreevats noted, "Look at someone like Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Even at such a young age, his hitting ability rivals that of anyone in the I.P.L. How does he achieve that? First, he has a fearless mindset, and second, he practices hitting big sixes."
"Developing the habit of hitting sixes is essential for success in leagues like the Bengal Pro T20 League."
Shreevats Goswami with other Bengal players pictured after their triumph in VHT 2012.
The last time Bengal won a white-ball tournament was in 2012 when they lifted the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Shreevats as the opener for the team. Since then, they have struggled to achieve similar success in white-ball cricket. While they have reached a few finals in red-ball formats, their white-ball accomplishments have been elusive.
Shreevats believes that to thrive in the white-ball format or T20 cricket, players must engage in more T20-specific practices. Additionally, he feels that academies should provide grounds that allow for more open net sessions.
"It is quite basic. Batters need to participate in more T20-focused practices. For that, access to open nets at training academies would greatly benefit the players."
Shreevats, who became a cricketing star even before turning 18, believes that to cultivate more white-ball talents at a young age, guardians need to place greater trust in coaches and allow them to develop the children. Additionally, coaches should engage with the kids to understand their aspirations and then guide them accordingly.
“To develop any cricketer, guardians need to have more confidence in the coach's abilities, and coaches should ask the kids what they want to achieve. After understanding their goals, coaches can guide them in the right direction,” Goswami shared.
Bengal Pro T20 League Exclusive: 9 cricketers teams should go after, who did not play or got picked last time
Here are the 9 cricketers from Bengal whom Bengal Pro T20 League franchises should go after this season. The list has been created with cricketers to did not play or were picked in the last season.
Bengal Pro T20 League started last season with only one hope and aim - to give Bengal cricketers a platform to showcase their skills to get picked up by Indian Premier League scouts and teams. But the first season did not produce any great results due to many factors.
With the second season approaching in a better-planned way, teams might not want to miss a few names who were not there last time. This list has been made with the cricketers who did not play or were not picked up during the drafts last time.
Moreover, the list has been created keeping both C.A.B. First division A, B, and C group performances, along with performances in underage cricket for Bengal in recent years.
1. Abhimanyu Easwaran (Batter)
Okay, you might be shocked to see his name up on the list. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been one of the known names in Indian domestic cricket for a few years now.
He was the marquee player and captain of the Reshmi Medinipur Wizards last season. However, due to an injury, he had to rush to the National Cricket Academy (now Centre of Excellence) in Bangalore.
Eventually, he was replaced by former India wicket-keeper batter Wriddhiman Saha by the franchise. So, technically, he will have to make his debut this season, and teams will go after him.
A dependable opener who plays both spin and pace with the same ease can be an asset to any team. Moreover, he can be an option for captain as well. His experience in playing grounds like Eden Gardens will also bring some added advantage to teams.
2. Dipanjan Mukherjee (Batting allrounder)
Image | Facebook
I am not quite sure how teams missed his name last season. Dipanjan is one of the most explosive white ball batters in Bengal easily. His record of hitting six sixes in an over sets him up as one of the easiest picks for any team.
Moreover, Dipanjan can come in handy with his medium pace bowling as well, if needed.
Dipanjan bats in the middle order and can finish games too. A very well-known face in Kolkata Club Cricket, who has featured for the U23 Bengal team and the Eastern Railway team, can be one of the first picks this season.
For context, Dipanjan plays for N.S.I club in the Kolkata Club Cricket.
Pritam Chakraborty is another name that teams missed out on last season. Although many had stated that it was his injury that concerned franchises before picking him up in the draft. But later, Sportz Point could confirm that he was absolutely fit for the season.
The past is now past, and I feel that, with this experience in Bengal cricket and current form in the T20 format, teams should go after Pritam this season.
With 11 wickets in 4 games in the J.C. Mukherjee T20 Tournament, Pritam is currently the joint highest wicket-taker of the season. Along with his current form, Pritam also brings the teams an option to have a wicket-taker in the powerplay with his ability to swing the ball both ways.
It is not a secret that left-arm spinners are one of the most valuable parts of any T20 team now. Last season, I felt teams missed out on Akhilesh Yadav because somehow, they were not prepared enough or knew all the players in the draft.
Since teams will be more prepared this season, Akhilesh Yadav will be a player to watch out for.
Akhilesh is someone who takes more than 50 wickets every season in Kolkata club cricket and plays a lot of white-ball tournaments in and around West Bengal to master the art of T20 bowling.
He has previously played for Bengal U-19 in the past and has been one of the most experienced left-arm spinners who is yet to don the Bengal jersey.
Priyanshu with former India Men's Cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid. Image - Instagram.
Priyanshu Patel has been one of the brightest names for Bengal in underage cricket in the last few seasons. In the 2023-24 season, Priyanshu was Bengal's highest wicket-taker in the Cooch Behar Trophy.
That success earned him to get trained in the National Cricket Academy and sharpen his skills. Not only that, he was even selected as one of the net bowlers for the Indian cricket team in the past as well.
Last season, he was on the standby list of the Srachi Rarh Tigers team.
An accurate left-arm spinner who can add value with the bat and field is a must for any team. So, Priyanshu gets his well-deserved mention in the list.
Kazi Junaid Saifi has been one of the most promising names in Bengal cricket for nearly a decade now. Since his U-16 days, Kazi has been a prominent name in Kolkata with his stylish left-handed batting and leadership skills.
In the past, he has led the Bengal U-16, U-19 and U-23 teams as well. It was astonishing to see a talented batter like Kazi missing out on Bengal Pro T20 League selection last season.
Kazi can bat anywhere from opening to 4 or 5 and is one of the best players of spin ball in the state. Moreover, his outstanding fielding skills, along with his offspin, can be handy for any T20 team.
As we write this article, Kazi scored a stunning 140 off 128 in the Pre-Quarter-final of the C.A.B. First Division One-Day tournament for Barisha Sporting Club.
Among the batters from C.A.B. First Division B&C group, Avijit Mondal is a name that Bengal Pro T20 League franchises can go for. The right-handed batter has done exceedingly well this season and was one of the Top 5 highest run-getters in the league in the B&C group with 581 runs in 10 matches.
Avijit has played for the Bengal U-19 in the past and since then has been one of the known names in Kolkata Club Cricket.
Just like Kazi, Avijit is also a batter who can provide stability in the middle for any team. Moreover, his experience of Kolkata Club Cricket will be helpful for teams to plan out opponents in the middle.
8. Anas Ali Khan (Batter)
Along with Avijit, Anas Ali Khan, the young batter, has been one of the most impressive batters in the B&C group this season. Playing for Aikya Sammilani Club, Anas scored 661 runs in 11 innings in the league this season, which made him the fourth-highest run-getter of the tournament.
The impressive batter has played for Bengal U-19 and Bengal U-23 as well and has been in great touch recently.
In the recently concluded CAB First Division League Qualifier Round, Anas scored a stunning 169 against Calcutta Port Trust Club, which again proves why I have listed him here.
9. Debangshu Pakhira (All-rounder)
Image | C.A.B.
Another exciting prospect of Bengal Cricket, Debangshu Pakhira, was one of the best performers for Bengal U-19 this season as they played the final of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy after 11 years.
After doing well for the U-19 side, where he received praise from many coaches in Bengal, Pakhira has featured for Anandabazar Patrika Sports Club in Kolkata Club Cricket.
A quick, young right-arm pacer who can give you valuable runs down the order can be a dream combination for teams in the upcoming Bengal Pro T20 League 2025.
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