Has Bengal found a potential successor to Sourav Ganguly's throne?

Sudip Chatterjee has already recorded four centuries this campaign

Ever since Sourav Ganguly took over as Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President this year, there has been a positive change within the state’s cricket hierarchy. For the first time in half a decade, sponsors came forward to support Bengal cricket’s upward charge.

Monetary stability was not the only addition, even CAB’s grass-root level programme Vision 2020 managed to churn out youngsters such as Aamir Gani for the senior team. However, there was always a sense of negativity about Bengal’s on-field success, due to their second from bottom finish last year.

The question remained would the team be able to translate their off-field success to hard-earned results?

Seven games into the Ranji campaign, Bengal are undefeated and on the brink of qualification to the next round. Currently in third position, they play Assam in their final Group A encounter. A draw will be enough for Manoj Tiwary’s men to ensure safe passage into the next round.

Pivotal to their success has been run-machine Sudip Chatterjee. The left-handed batsman has already scored four centuries, sitting eighth on the highest run getters list for this season.

He also has the highest conversion rate of centuries among all batsmen this year. This particular stat has initiated comparisons between Sudip and a young Ganguly, who led Bengal to Ranji success.

Similarities in growth trajectory

Albeit huge difference in playing styles, Chatterjee and Ganguly share a similar Ranji Trophy growth trajectory. Apart from being left-handed, both Ganguly and Sudip didn’t get a lot of chances in their first seasons.

‘Dada’ played only one game, during his inaugural 1989 season, compared to Sudip’s two, it was in the second and third seasons that they grabbed their opportunities with both hands.

In his second season, Dada scored 570 runs and led Bengal to a Ranji Trophy win in 1990. On the other hand, Sudip scored 584 runs, including four fifties and a century last season. However, the latter’s efforts couldn’t help Bengal qualify for the next round.

Having scored 647 runs in seven matches already, he is on track to defeat Ganguly’s highest of 854 in 14 games, recorded in the 1993/94 season.

Sudip is revelling in Bengal cricket’s new administrative era. He said, “I have managed to convert those four fifties I had last year into centuries, my first century against Karnataka, the defending champions, it gave me immense confidence to do better.”

Ganguly himself is regularly in touch with Sudip. He said, “Last year, I wasn’t being able to convert my half centuries into big scores. Sourav da came up to me and told me that my technique is great, but for a person to play for a long time, they need mental toughness. He always harped on my mental toughness. His advice was also right, this is what me and Coach Sairaj Bahutule worked on.

“The vision 2020 programme also helped me as I got assistance from VVS Laxman. I would say my style is quite similar to him, hence encouraging words from such big cricketers helped me a lot.”

Sudip’s success – A case of natural progression

The 24-year old’s success has been one of natural progression. He began his career playing the CAB 95 points league, which caters to the youngest age category. After impressing coaches at the age of 12, Sudip graduated to the Under-15 Bengal team. Since then, the Barasat-born player has transitioned across all age groups (U-17, U-22, U-25) of state cricket hierarchy, far before the designated age.

His performances this season also indicate, that he can shrug shoulders with the best. Against a Vinay Kumar-led Karnataka bowling line-up, he scored a patient 145. Against Gautam Gambir led Delhi, he scored 116 in a match that was marred by controversy.

The Gambhir-Tiwari duo didn’t deter the youngster, he said, “This is a part of the game it happens, also it was a test of my mental toughness against Pradeep Sangwan-led bowling line-up.” Another 116 against Vidarbha saw them defeat their visitors by 105 runs. A 147 in the very next match against Odisha saw Bengal clinch the low scoring match, by 133 runs.

He added, “All these performances were really memorable for me, especially Karnataka and Delhi, but my 192 against Baroda last year is dear to me.

Sudip also commented on the Kalyani cricket pitch fiasco. He said, “ As a batsman, I want to play on changing pitches, so that I can become a better batsman. Yes, it was a difficult pitch to bat on, but it was equal for everyone.”

However, their next match against Assam will be not be a walk in the park. Their hosts recorded the upset of this season, defeating Delhi with five wickets in hand. Sudip said, “Assam has had a very good season so far, so we have to stick to our basics and make sure we ensure our qualification. We haven’t lost yet and we aim to keep that going. There is a positive vibe in the dressing room as well.”

Sudip also spoke about his journey, he said, “When I was young it was difficult for me financially, but over time people around me knew I had talent. So, my main goal is to obviously play for India. But before to win the Ranji Trophy for Bengal is my main goal.”

With Ganguly now piloting the administrative charge, Bengal cricket might have found a successor to Royal Bengal Tiger’s on-field throne.