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.

Read Also: Ranji Trophy 2021-22: Sreesanth included in the Kerala Ranji squad

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.

Read Also: Ranji Trophy 2022: Ajinkya Rahane to play under Prithvi Shaw in Mumbai team, says I have no issues

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.

Read Also: Bengal T20 Challenge: Habib Gandhi hits 22 in the super over to win it for Durgapur

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.

The Indian Cricket team dominates the Asia Cup held every two years. Organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Indian team has won this tournament the most number of times. The Asia Cup was established in 1983. A year later, in 1984, its first event was held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Since then, this tournament has been played 16 times. During this period, the Indian team has become the champion for the most number of times, i.e. 8 times. The Men in Blue have shown their dominance in both ODI and T20I formats, consistently defeating top Asian teams like Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Let’s take a closer look at India's performance in every Asia Cup edition.

Also Read: Asia Cup Winners List from 1984 to 2023

India's Performance in Every Asia Cup | Wins Year-wise

India won the inaugural Asia Cup in 1984 under Sunil Gavaskar’s captaincy. It won three consecutive titles in 1988, 1990-91, and 1995. India is also the only team to have won both ODI and T20I versions (6 ODI + 2 T20I) of the Asia Cup. In 2023, India bowled out Sri Lanka for just 50 runs and chased the target in 6.1 overs, one of the most one-sided Asia Cup finals ever.

India Won 8 Asia Cup Titles

The Indian team participating in the Asia Cup since it's inception and has performed exceptionally well in the tournament for many years. It has qualified for the finals of the tournament 11 times and has won the tournament 8 times during this period.

India had achieved a great victory in the first season of the tournament in 1984. After this they also achieved victory in the year 1988 and it achieved victory in the 1990-91 and 1995 seasons. The Indian team is the only team that has won the Asia Cup title for 3 consecutive seasons.

After this India also won tournament played in the year 2010 and in the tournaments of 2016 and 2018 also they won the final match brilliantly. India also won in the year 2023 hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

India Lost 3 Asia Cup Finals

The Indian team also faced defeat in 3 Asia Cup finals. They had to face a terrible defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the 1997 Asia Cup final. At the same time, it had to face defeat in the finals of 2004 and 2008 as well and all three times they had to face defeat against Sri Lanka.

India Also Won the Trophy in T20I Format Once

In the 2016 T20I Asia Cup, the Indian team played brilliantly and won the title. After this, when the tournament was hosted in the T20I formal again in 2022, India could not qualify for the top-4.

Also Read: Past results of India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup

India's Performance in Every Asia Cup | 1984-2023

Asia Cup is the only tournament in the world that is based on competitions among the countries of one continent. India is the top performer as they have won 8 Asia Cups. Apart from this, India has also been in 11 finals out of 16 total Finals (India has participated in 15 editions though, skipping once).

Sri Lanka is the second most successful team in the Asia Cup after India. The Sri Lankan team won the Asia Cup 6 times and Pakistan took the cup home two times. Initially, it was a competition among three countries but later on, Asia Cup expanded to become a six-team tournament. They are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan.

Read Also: Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup T20I

Asia Cup is one of the most popular cricket tournaments in Asia. It is conducted over a gap of two years by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The 16th edition just ended with India lifting the title after defeating Sri Lanka in the Final in Colombo. In 1984, the UAE hosted the first Asia Cup. India was the winner of this tournament and Sri Lanka was the runner-up.

In this article, we'll have a look at the winners' list of the Asia Cup from 1984 to 2023 along with a runner-up and hosting country.

Asia Cup 2023 Winner

The 2023 edition began on 30th August 2023 in Sri Lanka. The first match was played between Pakistan and Nepal in Multan and Pakistan won this match by 238 runs. The Winner of the 2023 edition was decided on 17th September 2023 when the two best teams of the tournament Sri Lanka and India played the final match. India became the winner of the 16th edition by defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Asia Cup Winners List

Asia Cup Winners List from 1984 to 2023 is on the table. The Winners List table contains the year, winner team, runner-up team, and hosting country.

Asia Cup Winners List- Country-wise

Team India won the Cup 8 times in 16 editions followed by Sri Lanka 6 times and Pakistan 2 times. The three remaining countries Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong have yet to open their account in the winners list. The country-wise list of the winners is here.

Bengal cricket fans have a reason to celebrate this September as 'Cricket Club House' [ক্রিকেট ক্লাব হাউস in Bengali](CCH), a Facebook page or community, prepares to launch an exciting new Bengali cricket e-magazine alongside an action-packed tournament. On 23rd September, coinciding with CCH’s birth anniversary, the group will release "Dibbly Dobbly,” a magazine priced at Rs. 80 that promises to engage cricket enthusiasts with gripping stories, expert analysis, and fun quizzes.

'Dibbly Dobbly' - A homage to unique cricket stories

The magazine features contributions from acclaimed Bengali sports writers like Kalarab Ray, Partha Dey, Saptak Sanyal and Anish Mukherjee, offering deep insights into the sport.

The unique title “Dibbly Dobbly” pays homage to the medium and part-time pacers of the 1980s and 90s, known for their surprising effectiveness, mirroring the humble but passionate spirit of the growing CCH community.

Read Also: Exclusive: Advised by Sourav Ganguly, Abishek Porel gets coached by Yuvraj Singh; this is what he learned

All about Camaraderie Trophy

Beyond literature, CCH is energising the field with the “CCH PRESENTS: Camaraderie Trophy” cricket tournament, kicking off on 20th September at Bounce Turf in North Dumdum near ILS Hospital.

This competition will see eight teams of nine players each (including one impact player) battling it out in five-over matches with at least three group league games.

The winners will receive Rs. 7,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up will receive Rs. 4,000 and a trophy. Special awards for the Man of the Finals and the Man of the Tournament will also be presented. Team registration costs Rs. 3,500 and is open via WhatsApp.

A notable highlight is the inclusion of a women’s tournament, reflecting CCH’s commitment to promoting cricket among women from the outset. Despite limited resources, the group is organising all aspects of the magazine and tournaments with dedication, demonstrating strong vision and quality leadership.

Read Also: Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

CCH's vision - a new high in Bengali sports community

CCH’s drive to deliver high-quality events and content is already gaining traction within the Bengali sports community, laying the foundations for future expansion. The group is actively seeking visionary investors to support its mission of enriching the sports ecosystem through innovative cricket initiatives and events.

N Srinivasan, the former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has made a comeback in sports administration as the chairman of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

80-year-old Srinivasan was appointed the president of the franchise in the CSK board meeting a few weeks ago. Although he will play an advisory role, his presence will strengthen the strategic direction of the team.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma's Bronco Test not take place in Bengaluru, know the reason

Srinivasan will serve as an advisory role

At this age, N Srinivasan will not be able to travel much. That is why his role will mainly be that of an advisor. The team's CEO Kasi Viswanthan clarified that CSK will remain in constant touch with him and will seek his guidance in important decisions. His strategic thinking and administrative skills will help set a new direction for the team.

"See, it's a great boon for CSK and he's been the best administrator for us and I'm very happy that he's come back into CSK. He'll be in an advisory role only because he doesn't travel much, but we'll be in contact with him.

"Both of us are in Chennai only. So he's in day-to-day contact with us," said Viswanathan.

Will also oversee global leagues

Chennai Super Kings is not limited to IPL only. It also has stakes in South Africa's SA20 League and America's Major Cricket League (MLC). N Srinivasan will oversee CSK's properties in both these leagues.

The CEO said Srinivasan will be in charge of all global properties and his guidance will further strengthen the international identity of the franchise. "He will be in charge everything (all CSK properties)" said the CEO.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: BCCI invites bids seeking new lead sponsorship for Team India after Dream11 exit

CSK is already one of the most successful and popular franchises in the IPL. MS Dhoni's captaincy and stable administration have made it a brand.

Now Srinivasan's return will not only give the team strategic strength but will also strengthen the image of the franchise at the global level. His deep understanding and long experience in cricket administration is expected to make CSK's future even brighter.

Indian team's opening batsman Rohit Sharma is very eager to return to international cricket. For this, he is working hard on the field. Last week, he passed the Yo-Yo test at the BCCI Center of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. 

During this time, apart from him, Shubman Gill and many other players had given this test. After this test, Rohit Sharma's Bronco Test was also to be done, but this test did not take place. Team India's strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux has come up with the Bronco test. However, this test has not started yet.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: BCCI invites bids seeking new lead sponsorship for Team India after Dream11 exit

Rohit did not undergo a Bronco Test

According to reports, on August 31, many players including Rohit Sharma underwent Yo-Yo test. Rohit has passed it. He proved his fitness. During this time he was supposed to undergo a Bronco test, but this test has not been implemented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) yet. Therefore, Rohit did not have to give this test.

According to reports, this test can be held in Dubai before the Asia Cup. Team India will leave for Dubai on the morning of September 4 and will hold its first session at the ICC Academy on September 5.

So if BCCI wants to conduct a Bronco test, it can be in Dubai. However, it is not confirmed yet. That is why Rohit Sharma did not undergo a Bronco test.

"It could happen when the squad assembles in Dubai for the Asia Cup. The team will start leaving late tonight (early morning of September 4) and have their first session at the ICC Academy on September 5. So if the management and the S&C want to do a Bronco assessment, it could happen in Dubai, if it happens at all," BCCI's Center of Excellence said.

Rohit Sharma may return on Australia tour

Rohit Sharma, who has retired from T20I and Test cricket, has been away from international cricket for a long time. He last played the final match of the Champions Trophy on 9 March.

In this match, Team India defeated New Zealand and won the Champions Trophy title. Since then, Rohit and Virat Kohli are away from international cricket. These two players may return to the three-match ODI series to be held in Australia next month. For this, both these players are sweating it out on the field.

Earlier, Rohit Sharma had expressed his desire to play in the ODI series against Australia A which is coming on a tour to India.

Also Read: ICC Women's World Cup 2025: Prize money in Women's World Cup sets history, rise of 297 percent from the last edition

What is Bronco Test?

Bronco Test is primarily used in rugby where an individual has to complete a sequence of shuttle runs. From time to time, the BCCI makes changes to the set of tests used to measure players' fitness.

While fitness tests are done for all BCCI-contracted players, India's former Strength & Conditioning coach Soham Desai revealed that those tests didn't always form a selection criterion. It isn't yet known if the Bronco Test will become a selection criterion.