Author: Debasis Sen

A few eyebrows were raised when Rajib Banerjee, President of the Howrah and Hooghly Warriors franchise, said their endeavour would be to participate in the I-League and ISL during a jersey launch event in Kolkata on Saturday. It might sound ambitious, but there is genuine potential for regional franchise-based state leagues to thrive. Former Brazilian footballer José Ramirez Barreto, who is also the coach of the Howrah Hooghly Warriors, reckons the BSL will provide the perfect platform for talented footballers from the district. “We have a fantastic group of people. The BSL will provide much-needed exposure and playing time to…

Kolkata giants East Bengal will take on defending champions FC Goa in the Super Cup final on Sunday at the Fatorda Stadium. The Red and Golds registered an emphatic 3-1 win over Punjab FC in the first semi-final, while the home side got the better of Mumbai City 2-1 in the second. For East Bengal, it will be their second final of the season after failing to win the IFA Shield against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan earlier. The team will, however, miss Head Coach Oscar Bruzon on the sidelines after he was shown a red card for dissent towards the match…

The second ODI between India and South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday turned into an unexpectedly poor outing for young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. In perfect batting conditions, Jaiswal managed a sluggish 22 from 38 balls. Even more frustrating was the manner of his dismissal – trying to hook a Marco Jansen bouncer, but beaten for pace, resulting in a simple catch at square leg. The talented youngster now has scores of 15, 18, and 22 in the first three One-Day Internationals of his career. Since making his ODI debut against England in February this year, he has managed just 55…

Is time running out for Akash Deep as far his place in the Indian Test team is concerned? With the Bengal pacer failing to break into the playing XI for the recently-concluded Test series against South Africa, the 28-year-old from Sasaram in Bihar now needs to deliver strong performances in domestic cricket to remain in contention. Akash last featured for India in the red-ball format during the Test series against England in June–July. He was the fourth-highest wicket-taker for India with 13 wickets from the three Tests that he played. Siraj was the highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets, followed by…

Debasis Sen Former World Cup–winning captain MS Dhoni is unlikely to be at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) Stadium to watch the first ODI between India and South Africa on Sunday. The legendary cricketer, who is settled in the city, will be out of town due to a personal commitment. “What I know is that Dhoni will not be in town tomorrow,” said Shahbaz Nadeem, the joint secretary of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association, in an exclusive chat with Revsportz on the eve of the ODI series opener. “He will be leaving tonight for some personal commitment. But if…

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…