Subham Chatterjee is a name that has been floating in Bengal cricket for a long now. Performances in U19 and U23 level had given him a stamp of being the "next big thing" in Bengal cricket.

But, at 29 years of age, the stylish middle-order batter from Asansol has only played one first-class match so far. After his another double ton in a knockout match for Kalighat, Subham now feels he is ready for the bigger stages.

Subham scored 200 from 275 balls against Sporting Union to help them qualify for the quarter-finals of the First Division League Qualifier & Championship Play-offs.

What's the secret of big scores in knockouts?

Bengal Cricket Exclusive | "Teams sign us to help them win trophies:" Subham Chatterjee after a double ton in CAB first-division pre-quarter-final match — Subham Chatterjee during a club game. Image | CAB

This was Subham's second double ton in a knockout match in the last three seasons. The middle-order batter always had the knack of scoring in big games for Kalighat. But what is the reason behind that?

The answer is better preparation, Subham told Sportz Point.

"Although I take every game as a normal one, I prepare more for a knockout match," Subham shared with Sportz Point in an exclusive interview.

"From childhood, I knew one thing, if you perform well in a knockout game, you will get noticed. Teams sign players like us to win them big games, and I feel preparing that extra bit for a knockout game helps me do better in these kinds of matches," he added.

Can he fill Manoj Tiwary's gap?

Bengal Cricket Exclusive | "Teams sign us to help them win trophies:" Subham Chatterjee after a double ton in CAB first-division pre-quarter-final match — Subham during a club game for Kalighat against East Bengal in 2022-23 season.

In the last decade, Bengal had a strong middle order comprising Manoj Tiwary, Anustup Majumdar, and Wriddhiman Saha, which made it tough for young batters like Subham to find a place in the team.

But, after the retirement of Manoj Tiwary and Wriddhiman Saha, there is a void in the batting lineup which Subham feels he can surely try to fill up.

"There are many middle-order batters like me who are fighting for that place in the middle order. I think I am mature enough as a batter now and ready to take my game to a higher level."

"Obviously, you can not replace a giant of the game like Manoj Tiwary. But surely, if we can help teams win, I feel we will be doing good, " Subham shared.

Meantime, Subham knows it won't be easy for him to straightway get into the team. For that, he now only wants to focus on the controllables and do what is in his hands.

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Learnings from Majumdar and Tiwary

Subham Chatterjee - Bengal Cricketer | sportzpoint.com — Subham after a hundred in a club game. Image | CAB

To help him in his progress, Subham this season got the guidance of Anustup Majumdar and Manoj Tiwary, with whom he is sharing the Kalighat dressing room this season. Both the Bengal stars along with Shahbaz Nadeem signed for Kalighat to play this season, which helped him grow as a player.

"Having both Manoj (Tiwary) da and Ruku da (Anustup Majumdar) in the dressing room helps a lot. Because, each day, you are watching them preparing for a game. And, you can learn a lot of things just by observing them."

"Their work ethics is something I want to incorporate into my game, which I believe, surely can help me be consistent for a longer time," Subham expressed.

Three seasons back, Kalighat was demoted to the B Group of First division cricket in Kolkata Club Cricket. From then, they not only came up the ranks but went on to win the First Division Championship as well.

Read Also | Where Are They Now: Last Time Bengal Men's Cricket Team Won A Trophy

In the last three seasons, they have gone on to win 1 Championship trophy and became runners-up in three tournaments. In this whole journey, Subham was an integral part of the Kalighat club.

"Kalighat made me a more mature cricketer"

Subham had joined the club as a youngster but in these vital years for the Kalighat Club, he has matured into a solid cricketer. Not only that, he also went on to lead the club as well, which was one of the most prestigious moments for the batter.

"I have been lucky enough to see this entire progress of the club and be a part of it. I was fortunate to lead the team as well."

"These seasons have made me mature as a player, and I feel this maturity has given me composure to do well in tough games," Subham told Sportz Point.

Kalighat will face either of Aryan Club or Town Club in the quarter-final, starting from 18th April, 2025.

Tag: Subham Chatterjee

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