Kolkata : Bengal Cricket team captain Anustup Majumdar has reflected on progress, future and rising talents of Bengal Cricket.
In last 5 years, despite not winning Ranji Title, Bengal Cricket has given lot’s of talents like Sudip Gharami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Ankit Chatterjee, Yudhajit Guha, and so on. Even pacers like Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep have already represented India and Abhimanyu Easwaran is already in contention, also leading India A currently in bilateral series against England Lions. Yudhajit Guha is also representing India U19 continuously.
In last 5 years, Bengal reached 2 semi finals, 1 final in 2022 where they lost to Saurashtra. But the character that this team showed marks their progress.
Anustup Majumdar in an exclusive interview with Sportslight Media said that despite not crossing the finishing mark, the pipeline of Bengal Cricket is very good in producing players.
Reflecting on future of Bengal Cricket, Anustup said, ” In last 5 years, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Abhimanyu Easwaran are playing for India. Abhishek Porel, Sudip Gharami are great prospects and are un pipeline, so in last 5 years, 3 players are playing in England. Last 2 seasons we couldn’t qualify, we didn’t get players like Shahbaz Ahmed, but we’re getting new players like Ankit Chatterjee, Yudhajit Guha who’s playing in India U19 regularly, we might see him play for Bengal in different formats. So pipeline is good and CAB has made such platform – Bengal Pro T20 League where young and new players will be seen and there’ll be healthy competition to get into the team”.
Anustup Majumdar also reflected on Bengal Cricketer’s ability to play 4-5 days Cricket format.
“In last 5 years, there’s huge changes, we played 1 final, 2 semi finals, stats say how we’re ready for Ranji Trophy and how good we’ve performed although we didn’t cross the winning line despite coming near. So for 4-5 days Cricket format, we’re very well prepared. This year we’ll get services of all players and expect to be on field with full powerhouse. Last year 1 match was washed out else we could have qualified to knockouts”.
Regarding his own iconic journey, Anustup said, “I’m here for 15 years, didn’t think that I’ll captain Bengal, score runs, win trophies. Long journey, experience , failure, comeback. I feel that if I inspire others even if they’re non Cricketing person, it’s big for me”.
Future of Anustup Majumdar – Coaching or Legend’s league?
Regarding his future for Bengal Cricket, Anustup Majumdar said that although he didn’t think about it, he’ll like to serve Cricket.
He said, “Didn’t think about it (future), obviously want to serve Cricket, I’ve passed Level 2 coaching, have the responsibility to share my experiences with young players. But still haven’t made mind towards coaching and Legend’s league, maybe develop it in upcoming 5-6 months”.
RCB won IPL, South Africa won WTC, is it chance for Bengal to win Ranji?
Anustup Majumdar termed Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL win as inspirational, example of perseverance. Despite not winning IPL for 18 years, they kept on trying and ultimately touched the crown in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 final.
For South Africa, they haven’t won any ICC Trophy since 1998 Champions Trophy, despite coming closer many times like 1999 WC Semi Final, 2024 T20 WC final and so on.
Anustup said, “Odd things are happening this year, RCB’s chapter is really inspirational for all, they’re waiting for so long (18 years), it’s example of perseverance, despite not happening, they’re trying. For South Africa also , take example of 1999 WC – Hershel Gibbs’ catch drop, run out in final over. Recently, Sinner vs Alcaraz in French Open Final, the comeback of Alcaraz after training, to win title – all of these inspire a lot, including South Africa, RCB”.
