Pratyusha Jana
For the last two cricket seasons, winning has seemed like a far cry for the Bengal cricket team. The continuous deterioration, while evident, has been distressing for both spectators and professionals alike.
Over these last two seasons, the team has failed to secure any major domestic cricket trophy. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, Bengal produced mixed results and could not secure a place in the knockouts. The tournament also saw a humiliating defeat for Bengal against Haryana by 283 runs.
Reflecting on this situation, former cricketer and coach Sambaran Banerjee spoke exclusively to Parallel Sports. He highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the Bengal team during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and also shared his views on the Ranji season.
While discussing the team’s shortcomings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he pointed out the absence of an aggressive batter in the middle order. He said, “I must say, there were a few inadequacies in the player selection for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Bengal needs a player at No. 5 or No. 6 who can hit freely—someone who can score quickly, use fewer balls, and still contribute valuable runs to the team. A player who can make something like 42 off 20 balls.”
Reflecting on the Ranji Trophy loss, Banerjee stated, “We need unity within the team while performing in a major tournament. Maybe the lack of unity has affected the team. The players should focus more on collective strength rather than individual stance.”
He also emphasized the positive aspects of the team’s performance in this year’s Ranji Trophy. He stated, “We have almost the Indian bowling lineup in our team.”
He further praised Shahbaz Ahmed, saying, “One player who has been consistent throughout the tournaments is Shahbaz. He has been a driving force for the team, and we need more players like him.”
With the Ranji Trophy just around the corner, Banerjee, despite all the odds, chose to believe in the squad. He remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. He concluded, “We know there are a few shortcomings, but we shouldn’t lose faith in our team. I think they will deliver a good result in this tournament.”
