When younger left-hander Ankit Chatterjee drove seasoned Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj for a cracking cowl drive for his first scoring shot on Ranji Trophy debut for Bengal, it introduced again recollections of Sourav Ganguly — somebody he had simply eclipsed within the document books. At 15 years and 361 days, Ankit grew to become the youngest cricketer from Bengal to make his Ranji Trophy debut, surpassing the long-lasting Ganguly, who had performed his first match for Bengal at 17 of their triumphant 1989-90 closing in opposition to Delhi.
A Class X pupil of Bangaon Excessive Faculty, Ankit’s journey to this second has been stuffed with sacrifices and relentless dedication.
Each morning, whereas the world slept, he would get up at 3:30am to catch the 4.25am Bongaon-Sealdah native prepare, embarking on a two-hour journey adopted by one other half-hour commute to the Kolkata Maidan.
His cousins, who stick with him within the Chatterjee joint household, took turns accompanying him, and their lengthy day would solely finish round 9-10pm, a routine they’ve adopted for the final three years.
Ankit realized about his debut two days earlier than the match when established opener and India A cricketer Abhimanyu Easwaran was dominated out with a hairline fracture.
However as a substitute of being nervous, the younger left-hander embraced the problem with composure, which has been his trademark high quality in response to his childhood coach Dolon Goldar.
“It was fairly regular for me, and I even slept nicely final evening. I didn’t look to assault, however the ball merited that shot, so I went for it,” Ankit mentioned of his signature shot from Kalyani, the place Bengal had been 10/1 at stumps with him unbeaten on 5.
His father, Anup Chatterjee, a contractor in Bangaon, noticed his son’s ardour early and inspired him by shopping for his first cricket bat to utilize their huge yard.
“He used to play in our huge yard, and I might see his love for the sport,” his father recalled.
Quickly, Ankit was enrolled below coach Goldar on the Sonali Cricket Teaching Centre, the place his disciplined method stood out.
“Khub shanto baccha chilo (he was a really quiet boy), however he all the time listened fastidiously and practised till I informed him to cease,” Goldar recalled.
Ankit’s rise by the ranks was swift.
He first shone within the U-16 class as Bengal’s main run-scorer within the Vijay Service provider Trophy, which earned him a spot within the U-19 staff below coach Saurasish Lahiri, who had simply taken over from the senior aspect.
Within the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, he impressed with a 75-ball century in opposition to Assam at Barabati Stadium, smashing 9 sixes — all touchdown within the stands, recalled Lahiri.
He went on to emerge as the very best run getter this season for Bengal with 400-plus runs within the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.
Lahiri described him as a “fearless cricketer, a staff man who performs with a punch.” His performances continued within the Cooch Behar Trophy, the place he showcased his wide selection of strokes in opposition to heavyweights Mumbai at Eden Gardens, reaching his century by lunch.
Lahiri, who travelled to Kalyani to observe Ankit’s debut, was delighted to see his protege in motion.
“His first scoring shot in first-class cricket was a canopy drive — his signature shot. Left-handers all the time have that magnificence,” he mentioned.
Does he remind him of Sourav Ganguly? “He is an extended approach to go, however you may say he has the aptitude. You must give him that freedom. He’ll fail however it’s a must to give him the boldness and again him,” Lahiri mentioned.
“I’m certain that he has bought the potential to serve Bengal for an extended, very long time,” added Lahiri.
Ankit, an ardent admirer of Virat Kohli’s work ethic and on-field angle, stays humble regardless of his achievements.
“I waited for this present day for a very long time, however that is simply the beginning,” he mentioned, grateful for the help of his father, coach, and cousins.
As he turns 16 on Tuesday, his household is planning a small celebration at dwelling.
“He’s nonetheless a child at dwelling. His mom nonetheless feeds him along with her palms, and perhaps this time we’ll have one thing candy to rejoice,” his father mentioned with a proud smile.
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
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