Author: Debasis Sen

Debasis Sen in Goa The AIFF Super Cup gets underway without much fanfare in Goa from Saturday, October 25, with the final slated to be played in November. Kolkata giants – East Bengal and Mohun Bagan – will be in action on the opening day. The Red and Golds take on Dempo SC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim while Mariners will face Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda stadium in Margao. The manner in which the Super Cup is being staged highlights the sorry state of affairs when it comes to Indian football. Understandably so, with an air of uncertainty…

Debasis Sen, Kolkata A composed partnership of 156 runs between Sudip Chatterjee (98) and Sumanta Gupta (82*) helped Bengal secure a crucial 61-run lead at stumps on Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy clash against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on Thursday. After bowling out Uttarakhand for 213 on Day 1, Bengal finished the second day at 274 for six. Devendra Bora stood out with the ball for Uttarakhand, returning figures of 19-2-65-4. Resuming on an overnight score of 8 for one, Bengal got off to a rocky start. Sudip Gharami fell for 15 in the eighth over, leaving the team…

Debasis Sen, Kolkata A late burst from Mohammed Shami (three wickets in an over) saw Uttarakhand bowled out for 213 on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy fixture against Bengal at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. Shami, who failed to take a wicket until the 72nd over, picked up three in his 15th. He was well supported by Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal (19-4-54-4) and Ishan Porel (15-3-40-3). In reply, Bengal lost their captain off the first ball of the innings. Abhimanyu Easwaran was caught behind by Prashant Chopra off the bowling of Devendra Bora. Bengal were 8/1 at stumps, with Sudip Gharami…

Debasis Sen, Kolkata Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Focus on Shami and Akash Deep as Bengal start against Uttarakhand at EdenThe buzz around the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season-opener between Bengal and Uttarakhand at the iconic Eden Gardens was largely subdued until Tuesday. However, the arrival of Team India pacer Mohammed Shami suddenly brought the spotlight back on the Bengal camp. The home side, who finished runners-up 11 times in the tournament’s history, will be eager to go the distance this season. Led by the experienced Abhimanyu Easwaran, Bengal will begin their campaign with renewed confidence, especially with the return of Shami and…

Debasis Sen Q: How eager are you to perform in the Ranji Trophy season, and also the fact that you’ll be playing for Bengal again? Shami: “Look, the preparation, the practice, at home, with the boys, the atmosphere, the team bonding, it’s good to see. No one can tell about individual performance, who will perform, who won’t. We are ready to give our 100%. Not just me, the whole team is ready. The preparation is good.” On personal motivation post-injury: “I go step by step. I understand that after the injury, I get to play matches, that’s good for me…

Debasis Sen, Kolkata Abhimanyu Easwaran has been a constant in India’s Test squads on overseas tours in recent times. Despite scoring tons of first-class runs, a coveted Test cap remains elusive for the opener from Bengal. On Saturday, this correspondent caught up with the Bengal captain in his New Town apartment with childhood friend Avishek Raman, as the practice session at Eden Gardens was cancelled because of overnight rain. In an exclusive conversation with RevSportz, Abhimanyu opened up on the emotional rollercoaster, his motivation, mental strength, and preparations for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Abhimanyu, you have been part of…

Debasis Sen “Dickie Bird became a national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth,” said a Yorkshire County Cricket Club statement released to announce his passing on September 23. “He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy — and a legion of admirers across generations.” It says much about Bird’s stature in the game that not a soul would argue with those words. Few players, and even fewer officials, have been so loved by so many. RevSportz was fortunate enough to speak to Bird during the England-India Test at Headingley…

Debasis Sen, Kolkata The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) appears to be uncertain following the Supreme Court ruling on the draft constitution for the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Under the amended constitution, the top-tier football league in India must be owned, operated, and officially recognised by the AIFF. For the past 15 years, the ISL has been managed by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which now raises questions about the league’s status going forward. Adding to the complexity, the court’s judgment mandates that all football leagues in the country, including the top division, must adopt a system…

Debasis Sen, Kolkata Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is all set for his second stint as the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president. Ganguly, along with his panel, filed the nomination papers on Sunday. The former BCCI chief is set to be elected unopposed as the CAB president at the state association’s Annual General Meeting on September 22. He had earlier served in that capacity from 2015-2019 before helming the BCCI. “I would like to thank everyone for their support. At CAB, there is no opposition, everyone is a part of this association. We will work together to take the…

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is all set to be re-elected as President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Ganguly will file his nomination on Sunday, September 14, along with his panel. He will replace his brother, Snehasish, who is currently president of the association. Snehasish cannot continue in the post as per the Lodha Committee recommendation, and needs to have a cooling-off period after being in charge for almost six years. It is still not clear whether there will be elections for other posts. There will be a complete overhaul of the office-bearers’ posts in the state association.…