Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Bengal's Ranji Shortfall Linked to Underperformance and Outstation Players
Bengal's cricket team often gets close to winning the Ranji Trophy.
It has reached the semifinals and finals but has not finished the job, according to Sambaran Banerjee.
He says the players need to believe more strongly that they can win.
He also thinks having many players from outside Bengal may weaken the team's shared identity.
Banerjee believes players focusing on personal achievements can hurt teamwork.
He said the coach should work on these problems.
He praised Laxmi Ratan Shukla as a capable coach.
He also said this year's Bengal squad looks promising.
Sambaran Banerjee said Bengal repeatedly reaches Ranji Trophy semifinals and finals but falls short.
Banerjee urged the team to develop a stronger belief that it can win.
He argued that too many outstation players may weaken Bengal's core team connection.
Banerjee said individual milestones can make cohesive team play difficult.
He praised coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla and said Bengal's squad looks promising this season.
- Who
- Sambaran Banerjee offered the diagnosis; the headline also attributes the discussion to Deep Dasgupta. Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla was praised in the comments.
- What
- A diagnosis of Bengal's recurring Ranji Trophy failure to convert semifinal and final appearances into a title.
- Where
- Banerjee made the comments to Sports Now.
- Why
- Banerjee cited a lack of winning belief, too many outstation players, and an emphasis on individual milestones over team cohesion.
- Team discussed
- Bengal
- Competition
- Ranji Trophy
- Main criticism
- Bengal comes close in semifinals and finals but falls short.
- Suggested solution
- Build stronger belief that the team can win.
- Outstation players
- Banerjee said having too many may dilute Bengal's core connection.
- Team cohesion
- Individual milestones may make cohesive play difficult.
- Coach assessment
- Laxmi Ratan Shukla was described as a very capable coach.
- Current outlook
- Banerjee said the squad looks promising this year.