"You can't drop someone with one failure": Bibhas Das questions Abishek Porel's exclusion from U-19 World Cup Squad

Bibhas Das, a well-known coach from Bengal asks questions on why Bengal u-19 captain Abishek Porel was excluded from the U-19 World Cup Squad

Koushik Biswas

Dec 24, 2021, 8:16 AM

Abishek Porel, the current U-19 Captain of the Bengal Cricket Team was not included in the upcoming U-19 World Cup squad. The stylish left-handed wicket-keeper since then has scored three tons in four innings in Cooch Behar Trophy. He could have made it four in four, however, missed that by 15 runs against Hyderabad. Bibhas Das, one of the most recognised faces in the Bengal cricket circuit, who has also coached and mentored Abishek throughout his career, has thrown questions to selectors over the non-inclusion of this wonder kid from Bengal.

Abhishek Porel after his ton against Uttrakhand in the Cooch Behar Trophy | ICC U-19 World Cup | Bengal Cricket | Sportz Point
Abishek Porel after his ton against Uttrakhand in the Cooch Behar Trophy. Image - Instagram/cabcricket

Read Also: Top scorers in Vijay Hazare trophy in last ten seasons

"You just can't drop someone from the team because of one failure", Bibhas Das started his conversation like this. It showed disappointment and some anguish in his voice. "This boy has been performing throughout the year and past seasons as well. If you can't judge a talent via that, you don't need a selector. You can have a statistician and ask them to make a team via leaderboard sheets", Mr Das went on to add.

However, Abishek went on to get a first-time call in the Bengal Ranji Trophy 27-men squad post recent performances. Though this somehow makes Bibhas Das happy, he would have loved Abishek to be on that world cup aeroplane. Meantime, the U-19 Indian world cup squad is also playing the U-19 Asia Cup to prepare for the World Cup.

"In Bengal cricket, the rule of thumb is that you get success in the age group level and then you make your way into the seniors. That is why I think the World Cup was important for Abishek. If this was Mumbai, I would not have been worried. Because players there get selected for Ranji trophy before playing major age level tournaments."

Bibhas Das on why the U-19 World Cup was important for Abishek Porel

Although, he thinks Abishek's main goal is to play for senior India. "If you can do well in the senior team, no one will remember what you did in the U-19s. That is why I think doing well in Ranji will be vital for his career", Bibhas Das added.

Read Also: Bengal: a top-level team with mid-level ambitions and low-level achievements

Abishek's U-19 Challenger Trophy included 8(14), DNB, 15(17), 1(3), 54(75). However, Abishek was batting at No.6 and 7 throughout the tournament, except for one match. "I could not understand, why he was batting there. He always bats at the top of the order, Bibhas Das questioned management's decision on his batting position.

Porel turned everything around in the Cooch Behar Trophy. His scores include 71(83), 36(39)*, 144(215), DNB, 102(103), DNB, 104(145), 85(88).

Meanwhile, Bibhas Das has questioned the Cricket Association of Bengal's Junior Team administration of what they did to push their brightest talent for the mega event. Although, he thinks it is quite wonderful what the senior selection panel is trying by promoting young talents of Bengal.

Read Also: Devang Gandhi is Bengal's new Under-19 coach

Bengal has always been controversial about giving chances to "outsiders" while ignoring homegrown talents. Moreover, the last trophy Bengal won was at the U-23 level. Interestingly, it was the same group of players who managed to win the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy for Bengal. Although, unfortunately, none of the players from that group got the chances they deserve at the senior level.

"The Administration needs to get it right. They need to get it right quick. We do not need left-out players from other states to fill our teams. Bengal is full of exceptional talents. We need to pick them and nurse them with good care."

Bhivas Das on CAB's love for other state players.

When asked about Abishek's game, he added, "That kid is an all-rounder. You can pick him as a batter. You can pick him as a wicket-keeper as well." However, he thinks there are no limits on improving. "He is a tall boy. So as a wicket-keeper he generally has a lot of ground covered. But, I want him to work on his footwork more. I will ask him to have a word with Papali (Wriddhiman Saha) on that aspect", he told Sportz Point in an exclusive interview.

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

Bengal has announced their 27-men probable for the upcoming Ranji Trophy. The team has 4 wicket-keepers. Shreevats Goswami, Shakir Habib Gandhi, Abishek Porel and Wriddhiman Saha are among them. However, when asked about the chances of Abishek Porel's debut for the seniors, Bibhas Das told, "I am not sure for how many matches Saha will be available (due to National duties). But Abishek needs to be ready to dominate Ranji trophy if he wants to knock the doors of Indian cricket."

Next Article

BCCI announce the player List for WPL 2025 Auction: Only two players from Bengal

BCCI announced the player list for the upcoming WPL 2025 Auction. 120 players are on the list, among which 91 are Indian and 29 overseas cricketers, including 3 from Associate Nations.

Koushik Biswas

Dec 7, 2024, 5:46 PM

BCC announce the player List for WPL 2025 Auction: Only two players from Bengal - sportzpoint.com

BCCI announced the player list for the upcoming WPL 2025 Auction. 120 players are on the list, among which 91 are Indian and 29 overseas cricketers, including 3 from Associate Nations.

The Women's Premier League (WPL) Auction 2025 will take place on 15th December 2024 in Bengaluru. The are 82 Indian uncapped players and 8 uncapped overseas players in the auction list.

With most of the franchises holding their core group of players, 19 slots will be up for grabs, with 5 slots reserved for overseas players.

Only 3 players were listed in the bracket of the highest base price of INR 50 lakhs while 28 players will be auctioned starting with their base price of INR 30 lakhs. 

West Indies' Deandra Dottin will enter the WPL 2025 Auction with a base price of INR 50 lakhs - sportzpoint.com
West Indies' Deandra Dottin will enter the WPL 2025 Auction with a base price of INR 50 lakhs.

West Indian all-rounder Deandra Dottin, England batter Heather Knight, and South African wicket-keeper batter Lizelle Lee will enter the auction with the highest base price of INR 50 lakhs.

Read Also | "She is a tough girl:" WPL 2023's Purple cap holder Saika Ishaque's coach Shiv Sagar Singh

In the first set of 20 marquee players, Australia's Darcie Brown and Kim Garth, England's Lauren Bell and Sarah Glenn and India's Sneh Rana can go for big bucks during the WPL 2025 auction.

From the Cricket Association of Bengal, only two players have been able to make it to the list. Priyanka Bala, who was already with the Mumbai Indians squad, has found herself on the list. Along with her, young all-rounder Sushmita Ganguly will also be auctioned with a base price of INR 10 lakhs.

Read Also | Exclusive | Taunts to Claps: Priyanka Bala's journey from rural village of Nadia to WPL

Breakdown of 120 players in the WPL auction list

Sr. No

Capped/Uncapped players

No. of players

1

Capped Indians

9

2

Capped Overseas

21

3

Uncapped Indian

82

4

Uncapped overseas

8

 

Total

120

WPL 2025 Reatined players' list

Team Retained Players
Delhi Capitals Alice Capsey*, Annabel Sutherland*, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Jess Jonassen*, Marizanne Kapp*, Meg Lanning*, Minnu Mani, Radha Yadav, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Sneha Deepthi, Taniyaa Bhatia, Titas Sadhu
Gujarat Giants Ashleigh Gardner*, Beth Mooney*, Bharti Fulmali, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Laura Wolvaardt*, Mannat Kashyap, Meghna Singh, Phoebe Litchfield*, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare, Shabnam Shakil, Tanuja Kanwer
Mumbai Indians Amandeep Kaur, Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr*, Chloe Tryon*, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews*, Jintimani Kalita, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Natalie Sciver*, Pooja Vastrakar, Sajeevan Sajana, Saika Ishaque, Shabnim Ismail*, Yastika Bhatia
Royal Challengers Bengaluru  Asha Shobana, Dani Wyatt*, Ekta Bisht, Ellyse Perry*, Georgia Wareham*, Kanika Ahuja, Kate Cross*, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, Sabbhineni Meghana, Shreyanka Patil, Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine*, Sophie Molineux*
UP Warriorz Alyssa Healy*, Anjali Sarvani, Chamari Athapaththu*, Deepti Sharma, Gouher Sultana, Grace Harris*, Kiran Navgire, Poonam Khemnar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Saima Thakor, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone*, Tahlia McGrath*, Uma Chetry, Vrinda Dinesh

Full list of players listed for the WPL 2025 Auction

List Sr. No. Set No. First Name Surname Country State Association Age Specialism     Test caps ODI caps T20 caps 2024 Team 2024 WPL Matches C/U/A Reserve Price Rs Lakh
1 1 Lauren Bell England - 24 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast 3 14 27 UPW 0 Capped 30
2 1 Maia Bouchier England - 26 BATTER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium   12 42     Capped 30
3 1 Darcie Brown Australia - 21 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast 4 19 34     Capped 30
4 1 Lauren Cheatle Australia - 26 BOWLER LHB LEFT ARM Fast Medium 1 4 7 GG 0 Capped 30
5 1 Nadine De Klerk South Africa   25 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium 3 38 65     Capped 30
6 1 Deandra Dottin West Indies   33 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium   143 132     Capped 50
7 1 Kim Garth Australia - 28 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium 3 48 57     Capped 30
8 1 Danielle Gibson England - 23 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium     22     Capped 30
9 1 Sarah Glenn England - 25 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin   17 70     Capped 30
10 1 Heather Graham Australia - 28 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium   1 5     Capped 30
11 1 Tejal Hasabnis India MACA 27 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin   3       Capped 30
12 1 Chinelle Henry West Indies   29 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium   48 59     Capped 30
13 1 Alana King Australia - 29 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin 4 29 22     Capped 30
14 1 Heather Knight England - 34 BATTER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin 12 143 126     Capped 50
15 1 C Prathyusha India KSCA 26 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin   1       Capped 30
16 1 Orla Prendergast Ireland   22 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium   31 57     Capped 30
17 1 Sneh Rana India RSPB 30 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin 4 27 25 GG 4 Capped 30
18 1 Shubha Satheesh India KSCA 25 ALL-ROUNDER LHB RIGHT ARM Medium 2     RCB 0 Capped 30
19 1 Sushma Verma India HPCA 32 WICKETKEEPER RHB   1 43 19     Capped 30
20 1 Poonam Yadav India UPCA 33 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin 1 58 72 DC 0 Capped 30
21 2 Raghvi Bist India CAU 20 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium           Uncapped 10
22 2 N. Charani India ACA 20 ALL-ROUNDER LHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
23 2 Laura Harris Australia - 34 BATTER RHB         DC 0 Uncapped 10
24 2 Ira Jadhav India MCA 14 BATTER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium           Uncapped 10
25 2 Fatima Jaffer India MCA 22 ALL-ROUNDER RHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox       MI 0 Uncapped 10
26 2 Humairaa Kaazi India MCA 31 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin       MI 7 Uncapped 10
27 2 G Kamalini India TNCA 16 WICKETKEEPER LHB             Uncapped 10
28 2 Nandini Kashyap India CAU 21 WICKETKEEPER RHB             Uncapped 10
29 2 Jagravi Pawar India MCA 25 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
30 2 Pratika Rawal India RSPB 24 BATTER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
31 2 Prema Rawat India CAU 23 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
32 2 Simran Shaikh India MCA 23 BATTER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
33 2 Tanisha Singh India DDCA 21 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
34 2 Sonal Thakur India HPCA 22 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
35 2 S Yashasri India HYCA 21 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast       UPW 0 Uncapped 10
36 3 Nicola Carey Australia - 31 ALL-ROUNDER LHB RIGHT ARM Medium   23 27     Capped 30
37 3 Sophia Dunkley England - 26 BATTER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin 5 33 61     Capped 30
38 3 Lauren Filer England - 24 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast 2 10 7     Capped 30
39 3 Mansi Joshi India CAU 31 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium   14 8     Capped 30
40 3 Lizelle Lee South Africa   32 WICKETKEEPER RHB   2 100 82     Capped 50
41 3 Rosemary Mair New Zealand   26 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast   16 31     Capped 30
42 3 Madhuri Mehta India OCA 33 BATTER RHB     2 3     Capped 30
43 3 Nuzhat Parween India RSPB 28 WICKETKEEPER RHB     1 5     Capped 30
44 3 Paige Scholfield England - 29 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium   3 2     Capped 30
45 3 Amanda-Jade Wellington Australia - 27 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin 1 14 8     Capped 30
46 4 Amisha Bahukhandi India CAU 26 BOWLER RHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
47 4 Priyanka Bala India CAB 29 WICKETKEEPER RHB         MI 1 Uncapped 10
48 4 Gunjan Bhandari India CAU 24 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast           Uncapped 10
49 4 Salonee Dangore India CSCSCA 26 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
50 4 Milly Illingworth Australia - 19 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast           Uncapped 10
51 4 Prathyoosha Kumar India KSCA 25 WICKETKEEPER RHB             Uncapped 10
52 4 Ashwani Kumari India JSCA 27 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium       DC 0 Uncapped 10
53 4 Shashi Mathur India JSCA 29 BATTER RHB             Uncapped 10
54 4 Aparna Mondal India RSPB 29 WICKETKEEPER RHB         DC 0 Uncapped 10
55 4 Anshu Nagar India DDCA 14 BOWLER LHB LEFT ARM Fast           Uncapped 10
56 4 Tanisha Ohlan India HCA 18 BATTER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
57 4 Tarannum Pathan India GCA 31 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin       GG 1 Uncapped 10
58 4 Shraddha Pokharkar India MACA 28 BOWLER RHB LEFT ARM Fast Medium       RCB 3 Uncapped 10
59 4 Niki Prasad India KSCA 19 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
60 4 Laxmi Yadav India DDCA 27 WICKETKEEPER RHB         UPW 0 Uncapped 10
61 5 Manali Dakshini India MCA 27 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast           Uncapped 10
62 5 Rima Ekka India OCA 26 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 10
63 5 Rahila Firdous India MPCA 26 WICKETKEEPER RHB             Uncapped 10
64 5 Shipra Giri India UPCA 22 WICKETKEEPER RHB             Uncapped 10
65 5 Arushi Goel India UPCA 27 BATTER RHB             Uncapped 10
66 5 Kranti Goud India MPCA 21 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast           Uncapped 10
67 5 Sanskriti Gupta India MPCA 20 ALL-ROUNDER LHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
68 5 Priyanka Koushal India MPCA 29 ALL-ROUNDER LHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
69 5 Suman Meena India RCA 24 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast           Uncapped 10
70 5 Shivani Singh India HPCA 24 WICKETKEEPER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 10
71 5 Parunika Sisodia India DDCA 19 BOWLER RHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
72 5 Rubia Syed India JKCA 30 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 10
73 5 Jyoti Thakur India HPCA 26 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 10
74 5 G Trisha India HYCA 19 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
75 5 Joshitha V J India KCA 18 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 10
76 6 Safina Aziz India CAU 22 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
77 6 Samantha Bates Australia - 32 BOWLER RHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
78 6 Neelam Bhardwaj India CAU 18 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
79 6 Monikha Das India ASCA 33 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 10
80 6 Tess Flintoff Australia - 21 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 10
81 6 Sushmita Ganguly India CAB 21 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
82 6 Devika Kandregula India ACA 24 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
83 6 Nazma Khan India DDCA 28 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
84 6 Charli Knott Australia - 22 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
85 6 P.Ranga Lakshmi India ACA 18 BATTER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
86 6 Kanchan Nagwani India VCA 30 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
87 6 Tanusree Sarkar India RSPB 28 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
88 6 Nandani Sharma India UTCA 23 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast           Uncapped 10
89 6 Tripti Singh India UPCA 21 BATTER RHB             Uncapped 10
90 6 Sonam Yadav India UPCA 17 BATTER RHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
91 7 Bhavika Ahire India MACA 17 WICKETKEEPER LHB             Uncapped 10
92 7 Khushi Bhatia India MCA 22 WICKETKEEPER RHB             Uncapped 10
93 7 Pranavi Chandra India HYCA 22 BATTER RHB             Uncapped 10
94 7 Krutika Chaudhari India GUCA 27 BOWLER RHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
95 7 Riya Chaudhari India MCA 23 WICKETKEEPER RHB             Uncapped 10
96 7 Najla CMC India KCA 21 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
97 7 Hurley Gala India MCA 18 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 10
98 7 Suman Gulia India HCA 26 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast           Uncapped 10
99 7 Prakashika Naik India MCA 27 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
100 7 Mousumi Narah India ASCA 22 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
101 7 Hani Patel India BCA 26 BOWLER RHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
102 7 Anushka Sharma India MPCA 21 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
103 7 Shivali Shinde India MACA 28 WICKETKEEPER RHB             Uncapped 10
104 7 Upasana Yadav India DDCA 20 BATTER RHB             Uncapped 10
105 7 Preeti Yadav India GCA 29 ALL-ROUNDER LHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
106 8 Sarah Bryce Scotland   25 WICKETKEEPER RHB             Associate 10
107 8 Arshi Choudhary India TNCA 26 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
108 8 Archana Devi India UPCA 20 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
109 8 Samaira Dharnidharka UAE   17 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Associate 10
110 8 Mehak Kesar India PCA 32 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Uncapped 10
111 8 Komalpreet Kour India PCA 28 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium           Uncapped 10
112 8 Akshita Maheshwari India RCA 24 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 20
113 8 Rameswari Naik India OCA 26 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 10
114 8 Falak Naz India UPCA 20 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Fast Medium           Uncapped 10
115 8 Mamta Rani India PCA 22 BOWLER RHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
116 8 Theertha Satish UAE   20 WICKETKEEPER LHB RIGHT ARM Off Spin           Associate 10
117 8 Shanu Sen India RCA 22 BOWLER RHB LEFT ARM Slow Orthodox           Uncapped 10
118 8 Neetu Singh India PCA 26 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10
119 8 Anusha Sundaresan India TNCA 28 ALL-ROUNDER RHB RIGHT ARM Medium           Uncapped 10
120 8 Sunanda Yetrekar India GCA 32 BOWLER RHB RIGHT ARM Leg Spin           Uncapped 10

 

Next Article

Exclusive | "He has the intent to play at the highest level," Bihar head coach on Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Ashok Kumar, the current head coach of Bihar State Cricket team, feels that Vaibhav Suryavanshi has the intent and discipline to play for India in future and will change the future of Bihar cricket as well.

Koushik Biswas

Dec 3, 2024, 8:58 PM

Exclusive | "He has the intent to play at the highest level," Bihar head coach on Vaibhav Suryavanshi - sportzpoint.com

Imagine what you're doing at the age of 13. You probably were going to a school or playing at a local sports academy. But can you imagine at 13 years old age you can become a crorepati in India playing professional cricket? Yes, you can if you are Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was picked by Rajasthan Royals at a whooping 1.10 crore rupees in the recently concluded IPL 2025 mega auction.

After the mega auction, Vaibhav was a household name in India. But, you will be shocked knowing that he has been playing cricket under BCCI since the age of eight and has already played at the first-class level. He has already featured in five first-class matches and played a T20 game for Bihar earlier this year.

Moreover, he became the youngest overall and fastest India centurion in Youth Test Cricket's history, when he slammed a 58-ball ton in an unofficial test against Australia at M.A Chidambaram earlier this year.

Exclusive | "He has the intent to play at the highest level," Bihar head coach on Vaibhav Suryavanshi - sportzpoint.com
Vaibhav Suryavanshi after his 58-ball record breaking ton against Australia U-19.

After his record-breaking inning, Sportz Point got to have a word with the young sensation during the Bengal vs Bihar Ranji Trophy match, which was called off due to rain and wet outfield. Vaibhav at that time had revealed that all of his aggression and quick scoring come naturally to him and he is a great fan of Brian Lara. As a left-handed batter, he loves to watch the former West Indian legend's old highlights and how he used to dominate bowlers during his era.

Read Also | IPL 2025 Auction: Top 10 Most Expensive players of the auction

Vaibhav has been getting support from his family, friends and coaches from an early age to get where he is currently. Bihar's head coach Ashok Kumar is one of those coaches who has helped the teenager to be able to come this far now. After his record-breaking IPL deal with Rajasthan Royals, Sportz Point got to know more about Vaibhav via Ashok Kumar.

A few players like Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, who are actually from Bihar, had to move to Kolkata for better opportunities in cricket. Due to the lack of infrastructure and exposure, many players from the state have gone unnoticed in recent decades. But, this was not the case for a sensational talent like Vaibhav and for that, Ashok Kumar wants to thank the Bihar Cricket Association for giving this "once in a generation" talent a chance so early.

"Congrats to Vaihav. He is a great talent we all know. I have been watching him since he got the chance in the Bihar U-19 team. Watching this kid grow as a player, has been remarkable for me and everyone in Bihar," Ashok Kumar told Sportz Point.

"But, I want to thank and congratulate everyone associated with Bihar Cricket Association for identifying this talent and giving him a chance so early in his career," he added.

Vaibhav from his early days had the skill and temperament to dominate senior bowlers and score big runs. He burst onto the scene with an unbeaten 332 in a U-19 tournament in Bihar;  Randhir Verma Tournament. Ashok Kumar wants Vaibhav to continue with the intent which has helped him so far.

"I have been fortunate to coach the Bihar U-19 and senior team and have seen him up and close in the last few years. I know, with time, many teams will try to watch out for a weakness in his batting. But, the only thing that I always advise him is to keep the intent he has as a batter. He is not afraid of any bowler and his natural ability to hit bowlers will take him very far in his career," Ashok Kumar expressed.

Vaibhav's father Sanjeev Suryavanshi has been his formal coach. He also consults Wasim Jaffer from time to time for advice, whom he had met during a U-19 tournament in Bangladesh in November 2023. Luckily for the youngster, he will now be coached by former Indian Men's team head coach Rahul Dravid, who has developed many U-19 stars into future Indian players during his time with the U-19 and senior team.

Read Also | Exclusive: Inspired by Easwaran's work ethic, a more mature Abishek Porel wants to score big hundreds for Bengal in Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Also, Rahul Dravid and Rajasthan Royals were the franchise that gave young Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag an early chance in the Indian Premier League to showcase their talent. Ashok Kumar feels, that having Rahul Dravid as his coach will only enhance him as an overall player and a human being.

"With Rahul Dravid sir, we all know Vaibhav will learn a lot of great things about his game and I feel his time at the Rajasthan Royals will help him be more disciplined as well. Rajasthan Royals have helped a lot of young players in the past and I am hopeful Vaibhav will also emerge as one of the stars from the franchise," Ashok Kumar stated.

"Vaibhav's presence in the Indian Premier League and the U-19 team will influence many kids in the state to play cricket. They will now believe that if you have the talent and work hard on it, anyone can play at the highest level even from states like Bihar. I feel, a brighter time coming for Bihar State Cricket, via champion players like Vaibhav." 

Next Article

Tilak Varma reaches historic milestone of becoming the first Indian to score 150 in T20s

Tilak Varma has scored 151 off 67 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Meghalaya as he becomes the first Indian batter to score 150+ in T20 cricket.

Tilak Varma reaches historic milestone of becoming the first Indian to score 150 in T20s

Tilak Varma has etched himself in history to become the first Indian batter to hit 150 runs in T20 cricket. The 22-year-old youngster has smashed a staggering 151 off just 67 balls for his domestic side Hyderabad against Meghalaya on Saturday in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. 

The left-handed batter has surpassed Shreyas Iyer's record of scoring 147 which was by far the highest individual score by any Indian batsman in T20 cricket. Shreyas scored his 147 off just 55 balls for Mumbai against Sikkim in the same tournament in 2019. 

Tilak Varma has now clinched the top spot and also becomes only the 12th batter to record a 150+ score in T20s. 

The 22-year-old is the captain of his domestic side Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and he came out to bat in no. 3. Tilak's half-century came off 28 balls, and he went on to complete his ton off just 51 balls. Tilak built his scorching innings with 14 fours and 10 sixes and maintained a strike rate of 225.37. 

Another record 

However, Tilak Varma has made an international T20 record as well, as he becomes the first-ever batter in the world to score three consecutive tons. The left-handed youngster was named as the Player of The Series in India's recent T20 series victory against South Africa. Tilak scored back-to-back hundreds against South Africa and now in 10 days, he has scored three tons and stormed into the history books.

Highest individual score by Indian batters in T20s

  • Tilak Varma (Hyderabad) – 151 (67) vs Meghalaya, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
  • Shreyas Iyer (Mumbai) – 147 (55) vs Sikkim, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019 
  • Punit Bisht (Meghalaya) – 146* (51) vs Mizroam, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021
  • Mohammed Azharuddeen (Kerala) – 137* (54) vs Mumbai, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 
  • Prithvi Shaw (Mumbai) – 134 (61) vs Assam, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022 
Next Article

Eden Gardens soon to be renamed after India legend Jhulan Goswami

According to ICC, the Block B Gallery of Eden Gardens will be renamed in her honor. This stand will be inaugurated during the Indian women's team's first T20I match against England on January 22 next year.

Payal Debnath

Nov 21, 2024, 11:59 AM

Eden Gardens soon to be renamed after India legend Jhulan Goswami

A stand at the iconic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata will soon be named after India's legendary fast bowler Jhulan Goswami

According to ICC, the Block B Gallery of Eden Gardens will be renamed in her honor. This stand will be inaugurated during the Indian women's team's first T20I match against England on January 22 next year.

Also Read: 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup stats: Most Wickets and Everything

Stands have also been built at Eden Gardens in the names of former Indian captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, former Indian cricketer Pankaj Roy, and former BCCI presidents Jagmohan Dalmiya and Biswanath Dutt.

Highest wicket-taker in women's ODI

Jhulan Goswami retired two years ago after an illustrious 20-year career with the Indian women's team. She was considered one of the best fast bowlers in women's cricket. Her career is still reflected in the impressive record that she maintains even after her retirement. Goswami holds the record for taking the highest number of wickets (255) in women's ODI.

Jhulan Goswami ended her career after appearing in 12 Tests, 204 ODIs and 68 T20Is and taking 355 wickets across all formats. In the women's Test format, Goswami has taken 44 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.36 and an economy of 2.02.

Goswami has 56 wickets to her name in the women's T20I format, with an average of 21.94 and an economy of 5.45. In the ODI format, she has taken 255 wickets in 204 matches at an average of 22.04.

Also Read: All the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup winners

Working as bowling coach of MI

The 41-year-old Goswami is currently working as the bowling coach and mentor of the Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League (WPL), which won the inaugural season of the league. Earlier this year, Goswami was the team mentor at the Women's Caribbean Premier League franchise Trinbago Knight Riders. 

After retirement, Goswami has worked as a mentor for the senior Bengal women's team and has also been involved in the Women's Premier League.

Next Article

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024: Mohammed Shami to play for Bengal; Sudip Gharami named captain

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been named in the Bengal squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. Sudip Kumar Gharami has been named as the captain of the squad.

Koushik Biswas

Nov 18, 2024, 3:17 PM

Mohammed Shami will be featuring in SMAT for Bengal.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been named in the Bengal squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. Shami, who played his first match in 360 days in the Ranji Trophy game against Madhya Pradesh, will boost Bengal's chances in the tournament.

Sudip Kumar Gharami, who was Bengal's captain in the white-ball format last season, has been named as the captain of the squad for this season as well. 

Abishek Porel played a handy knock coming as an impact player in the game vs Punjab Kings. | Sportz Point
Fresh from Australia tour, Abishek Porel will be the main wicket-keeper batter for Bengal.

In the 20-men squad, Bengal has named three wicket-keepers for the tournament. Abishek Porel, who recently toured Australia for the India-A team, will continue as the main man behind the stumps. Meantime, Shakir Habib Gandhi and Agniv Pan will be the other keeper-batters of the team. Interestingly, all three wicket-keepers of the squad are left-handed batters, giving coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla a few options to play with in the batting order.

Read Also | Exclusive | "Felt like my debut:" Bengal pacer Ishan Porel now wants to enjoy his cricket after a solid comeback to first-class cricket

Sudip Chatterjee, who came back from Tripura to rejoin his home state, will continue as one of the top-order batters for Bengal. The left-handed batter has done well in the Ranji Trophy this season and will be a key player for Bengal in the white-ball format as well. Ranjot Singh Khaira and Sudip Gharami will be the top-order batters for them this time.

Read Also |  IPL 2025 Auction: 13 players from Bengal and their details

Shahbaz Ahmed shares his thoughts on the Impact Player rule
Shahbaz Ahmed will be a key player for Bengal in SMAT.

Ritwick Roy Chowdhury, one of the best white-ball finishers for Bengal, along with all-rounders Shahbaz Ahmed, Karan Lal, Writtick Chatterjee and Saksham Chaudhary will be key clog for Laxmi Ratan Shukla and team management. Ritwick and Shaksham will be the pace bowling all-rounders of the team, while Karan, Writtick and Shahbaz will be the spinner all-rounders.

Kolkata Club Cricket Exclusive: Mohun Bagan announce squads for men's and women's for 2024-25 season - sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh in action for Mohun Bagan in a club game.

In the absence of Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep, Ishan Porel, Mohammed Kaif, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Sayan Ghosh and Kanishk Seth will share the load of bowling those crucial overs along with new names like Soummyadip Mandal. The inclusion of U-23 captain Prayas Ray Barman means there will be enough variations while defending totals as well.

Bengal is placed in Group A alongside Punjab, Hyderabad, Mizoram, MP, Meghalaya, Bihar, and Rajasthan. 

Read Also |  IPL 2025 Auction: Full list of players and details

Bengal squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024

Sudip Kr Gharami (captain), Mohammad Shami, Abishek Porel (WK), Sudip Chatterjee, Shahbaz Ahmed, Karan Lal, Writtick Chatterjee, Ritwick Roy Chowdhury, Shakir Habib Gandhi (WK), Ranjot Singh Khaira, Prayas Ray Barman, Agniv Pan (WK), Pradipta Pramanik, Saksham Chaudhary, Ishan Porel, Md Kaif, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Sayan Ghosh, Kanishk Seth, Soummyadip Mandal.

Bengal's schedule in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024

  • 23 November' 24 - Bengal vs Punjab - Rajkot - 4.30 pm
  • 25 November 2024 - Bengal vs Hyderabad - Rajkot - 4.30 pm
  • 27 November 2024 - Bengal vs Mizoram - Saurashtra - 9 am  
  • 29 November 2024 - Bengal vs Madhya Pradesh - Saurashtra - 1.30 pm
  • 1 December 2024 - Bengal vs Meghalaya - Rajkot - 11 am
  • 3 December 2024 - Bengal vs Bihar - Saurashtra - 9 am 
  • 5 December 2024 - Bengal vs Rajasthan - Rajkot - 11 am

Next Article

Latest Stories

Subscribe Newsletter

Get the latest sports updates and news delivered directly to your inbox.