Author: Debasis Sen

Debasis Sen, Kolkata The stage is set for the quarter-finals of the ongoing Durand Cup 2025, with the Kolkata derby emerging as the headline fixture. Both Mohun Bagan Super Giants and Emami East Bengal enter the clash unbeaten through the group stage. The Mariners hold a record 17 Durand Cup titles, while East Bengal are close behind with 16. Bragging rights and a spot in the semi-final will be at stake when the two Kolkata giants face each other. Mohun Bagan Super Giants, who completed a domestic double last season by winning both the ISL Shield and Cup, will be…

Debasis Sen, Kolkata Mohun Bagan club has decided to forfeit their Kolkata Football League (CFL) fixture against Messrs, scheduled for Wednesday, at the Bankimanjali Stadium in Naihati. The club has informed the Indian Football Association (IFA) that they will not field a team due to their ongoing participation in the Durand Cup. In a letter sent to the IFA, on Monday, the Mohun Bagan management cited concerns over players’ workload and injury risks, with 8-9 players from their Durand Cup squad also registered for the CFL. With the crucial Durand Cup quarterfinal against arch-rivals East Bengal scheduled for Sunday, August…

Debasis Sen, Kolkata Arch-rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are set to clash in the quarterfinals of the Durand Cup, at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday, August 17. Both Kolkata giants cruised through the group stage, finishing at the top of their respective groups. While Mohun Bagan have held the upper hand in recent encounters, former Bagan midfielder Satyajit Chatterjee believes the upcoming showdown between the two traditional powerhouses of Indian football will be a closely fought affair. According to Satyajit, “Fitness will be a concern for Jose Molina at the start of the season, with players returning after…

Kolkata giants East Bengal have kicked off their season in style, registering three consecutive wins in the ongoing Durand Cup and securing a place in the knockout stages. The team looks revitalised, with the new signings—Mohammed Rashid, Miguel Fereira, and Hamid Yahdad—already making an impact. Rashid, in particular, has impressed in the defensive-midfield role, which was an area of concern in previous seasons. Former India midfielder Alvito D’Cunha, in an interaction with RevSportz, shared his thoughts on the promising start, stating, “East Bengal’s early success in the Durand Cup is encouraging, but it is important to recognise that their group-stage…

Debasis Sen, Kolkata Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League (ISL), both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have been less vocal, unlike the other 11 clubs participating in India’s top-tier football league. The two Kolkata giants have not aligned themselves with the group of clubs that have formally urged the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) to approach the Supreme Court for urgent intervention. The collective letter sent to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey warns of independent legal action should the Federation fail to act, citing “irreversible damage” due to the ongoing legal stalemate that has stalled crucial decisions…

Debasis Sen in Kolkata Abhimanyu Easwaran has been a regular in India’s Test squads in recent years, touring with the team to Australia and England. Despite his strong domestic record — 7,841 runs in 103 first-class matches — the 29-year-old Bengal opener is still waiting for his Test debut. Easwaran had hoped to finally get his chance during the recent series against England, particularly in the fifth and final Test at The Oval. However, the team management opted to bring back Karun Nair instead, leaving Easwaran on the sidelines once again. He must continue his wait for an opportunity to…

Debasis Sen in London Former ISL-winning coach John Gregory is concerned with the recent developments in Indian Super League with clubs like Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC shutting their operations temporarily. Gregory, who coached Chennaiyin in their maiden title-winning year, doesn’t think that there is a quick fix to the solution. The 71-year-old also reflected on his successful stint with Aston Villa and his regrets both as a player and manager. Here are the excerpts: How much of a cultural shock was Indian football for you when you first arrived? John Gregory: It wasn’t too much of a shock, to…

Debasis Sen in London Shubman Gill was in red-hot form with the bat, finishing top of the run-scoring charts in the recently concluded five-match Test series against England. The series, which ended in a draw, showcased Gill’s exceptional ability and leadership, as he notched up four centuries while making 754 runs at an impressive average of 75.40. Despite a rare failure in the final Test at The Oval, where he managed only 21 and 11, his overall performance was nothing short of remarkable. Gill’s batting brilliance was matched by his calm leadership in what was his first major assignment as…

Debasis Sen in London Prasidh Krishna has been a central figure in India’s bowling attack during the gripping fifth Test against England at The Oval, where the outcome still hangs in the balance heading into the final day. The tall and lanky fast bowler from Karnataka reignited India’s hopes late on day four with two wickets in the space of nine balls – including the prized scalp of Joe Root for 106 – as England stumbled in their pursuit of 374. With just 35 runs required and four wickets in hand, Krishna’s breakthroughs came at a crucial juncture, especially with…

Debasis Sen in London Former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm believes that Jasprit Bumrah’s absence is a significant blow to India, especially on a pitch like The Oval. Malcolm, who currently works part-time with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as part of its Diverse Communities team—focusing on African Caribbean engagement—feels strongly that Bumrah will be remembered as one of the game’s all-time great fast bowlers. Now 62, Malcolm was present at The Oval during the first two days of the fifth and final Test of the series. In an exclusive conversation with this correspondent, he shared his thoughts…