"We have the fire in the belly to redeem the last final," newcomer Habib Gandhi wants to win Ranji Trophy with Bengal

The last time BCCI was able to complete a whole Ranji season, was in the 2019-20 season. Bengal after 13 years played the final of the Ranji Trophy that season. However, they could not cross the final line just like the 2006-07 season as Saurashtra were crowned the champions of the premier domestic trophy in India. Although, Shakir Habib Gandhi, a newcomer with new hopes in the Bengal team feels they have the fire in the belly to redeem the last final and hopes to win the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 season. He shared all about his journey and future plans with and for the Bengal team with Sportz Point.

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Habib, who already was a part of Bengal's Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament, did not get any match to showcase his talent. However, that was an experience of a lifetime for him. Spending time with Wriddhiman Saha and picking the little nuances of wicket-keeping was all he got from the SMAT 2021 season. "Learning all of those little things from the best wicket-keeper in the world has really helped me grow as a wicket-keeper," Habib shared Sportz Point over a phone call. Saha, who has opted out of the Ranji season due to personal seasons provided an opportunity for either Habib or Abishek Porel to make their first-class debut for Bengal. "Surely we will miss Wriddhi da. He is a legend of Bengal cricket. His services will be missed. However, this will be a huge oppurtunity for youngster like us to contribute for Bengal cricket like he did," Gandhi added.

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While sharing his story from a second division cricketer to now nearly becoming a first-class cricketer, he could not stop remembering his childhood coach Late Ghayasuddin Khan. "When I was not picked for the Bengal U-16 team, I cried a lot. At that time sir had told me that the target is to become a first-class cricketer. And, I started working harder after that. Ghayas sir has been very influential in my growth as a player," Habib said while sharing his journey.

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Along with him, Habib remembers how his grandfather used to take him to Mohammedan Sporting Club for practices in his early days. Later it was his father who followed that. "As a cricketer, I did not go home with happy face every time. But, my family was always there for me in those tough times. My mother and sisters were the pillars of my strength in those periods. I can not thank my family enough for where I am now," Habib sounded emotional sharing his early days.

Habib now with one step away from realising his first-class dream, wants to take "one-day at a time." "We believe in the process. The team has done very well in the white-ball format. Now we just want to do well in the longer format as well," Habib sounded confident in his voice on Bengal's planning ahead.

"On a personal note, yes I am excited about the fact that I am one step away from my debut. But, the bigger dream is to win the Ranji Tropy for Bengal. That will be a dream come true for me."

Habib in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

BCCI will host the Ranji Trophy in two phases this season, with the first phase starting from 17th of February. In addition, only one team will qualify for the quarterfinals from each group. Hence, there will be a lot to play in every match. "Yes, there will be pressure. We know every match will be crucial for us. But, we are ready to fight and the whole team is very positive about it," Habib told about the new regulation this season.

"We as a team want to be as successful as teams like Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Mumbai. We got a great sqaud as well. Hopefully, we will bring the trophy that the Bengal fans are waiting for long."

Habib on his aspirtaion to bring the Ranji Trophy back at the Eden Gardens.

Bengal's Ranji Trophy 2021-22 Fixture

Bengal is in the Group-B along with Baroda, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh.