
A 15-year-old boy from Bengal, Ankit Chatterjee, recently broke a historic record set by none other than Sourav Ganguly. On his Ranji Trophy debut, Ankit became the youngest-ever cricketer from Bengal to feature in the prestigious tournament, surpassing Ganguly’s debut age of 17.
15-Year-Old Breaks Ganguly’s Record
In an extraordinary turn of events, young cricketer Ankit Chatterjee, at just 15 years and 361 days, has etched his name in history by becoming the youngest-ever cricketer from Bengal to make his Ranji Trophy debut. Ankit has surpassed none other than the legendary Sourav Ganguly, who had debuted at the age of 17. This monumental achievement not only highlights Ankit’s prodigious talent but also marks him as a rising star in Indian cricket.
A Debut to Remember: Ankit’s First Scoring Shot
Ankit’s debut match was a memorable one, as he faced seasoned Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj. His first-ever scoring shot in the game was a picture-perfect cover drive—a shot that immediately brought back memories of Sourav Ganguly’s elegant style. This shot was a clear demonstration of Ankit’s natural flair and potential.
Ganguly’s debut back in 1989 had been a defining moment for Bengal cricket, but now, Ankit’s achievement has placed him in the history books as the youngest cricketer to represent Bengal in the Ranji Trophy.
A Journey Fueled by Dedication
Ankit’s journey to this milestone is a testament to his passion, dedication, and hard work. A Class X student at Bangaon High School, Ankit’s routine is anything but ordinary. Every day, he wakes up at 3:30 a.m., catching the 4:25 a.m. Bongaon-Sealdah local train for a two-hour commute, followed by another 30-minute journey to the Kolkata Maidan for his cricket practice.
His dedication is evident not only in his personal commitment but also in the support of his family. Ankit’s cousins, who live with the Chatterjee family, have been by his side throughout, sharing the long hours of travel and practice. Together, they have made this rigorous routine a part of their daily lives for the past three years.
Ankit’s Calm Under Pressure
When Ankit learned about his debut just two days before the match, he took it in stride, showing maturity well beyond his years. His childhood coach, Dolon Goldar, who has worked with Ankit since his early days, notes that the young cricketer has always been composed and calm, even when faced with challenges.
Reflecting on his debut, Ankit stated, “It was quite normal for me, and I even slept well last night. I did not look to attack, but the ball merited that shot, so I went for it.” His first innings was solid, ending unbeaten on five with Bengal at 10/1 at stumps. This composure and confidence under pressure set Ankit apart as a player to watch in the future.
The Support of Family: A Foundation for Success
Ankit’s love for cricket was recognized early by his father, Anup Chatterjee, a contractor in Bangaon. As a young boy, Ankit would play in the large backyard of their home, and his father quickly realized his son’s passion for the game. Ankit’s first cricket bat was bought by his father, who also enrolled him under the guidance of coach Dolon Goldar at the Sonali Cricket Coaching Centre.
Goldar remembers Ankit as a quiet, focused child who listened attentively and practiced diligently. “He was always serious about the game. He would practice until I told him to stop,” said Goldar, praising Ankit’s discipline and commitment from the very start.
Rapid Rise Through the Ranks
Ankit’s cricketing career has progressed rapidly through the ranks. His consistent performances in age-group cricket were the foundation of his success. He became Bengal’s leading run-scorer in the Vijay Merchant Trophy, which earned him a spot in the U-19 team.
Ankit’s breakout moment came during the Vinoo Mankad Trophy when he scored a blistering 75-ball century against Assam, hitting nine sixes, all of which landed in the stands. His fearless approach to batting and ability to dominate opposition bowlers became evident in this match.
Impressing with Every Opportunity
Ankit’s performances continued to impress throughout the season. He was the highest run-scorer for Bengal in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, amassing over 400 runs. His coach, Saurasish Lahiri, described him as a “fearless cricketer” with a natural flair for the game. In the Cooch Behar Trophy, Ankit’s dazzling century against Mumbai at Eden Gardens, where he reached the milestone before lunch, showed the full range of his batting skills.
Lahiri, who traveled to Kalyani to watch Ankit’s Ranji debut, was filled with pride. “His first scoring shot in first-class cricket was a cover drive—his signature shot. Left-handers always have that elegance,” Lahiri commented. While Lahiri acknowledged that Ankit still has a long way to go, he believes that the young cricketer has all the attributes to become a key player for Bengal for years to come.
Admiring the Greats: Kohli’s Influence on Ankit
Ankit draws inspiration from Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, particularly his work ethic and on-field attitude. Despite his early success, Ankit remains grounded and focused on the road ahead. “I waited for this day for a long time, but this is just the start,” he said, highlighting his humble nature and determination to continue improving.
A Family Celebration: A Proud Milestone
As Ankit approaches his 16th birthday, his family is planning a small celebration at home. Despite his rapid rise in the cricketing world, Ankit remains the same young boy at home. His father fondly recalled that Ankit’s mother still feeds him with her hands, emphasizing that he is still very much a child at home. The family’s pride in Ankit’s accomplishments is undeniable, and they are excited to celebrate this milestone together.
Future Looks Bright for Ankit Chatterjee
Ankit Chatterjee’s record-breaking debut is a testament to his talent, hard work, and relentless dedication. As he continues to rise through the ranks of Indian cricket, there’s no doubt that he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of the greats, like Sourav Ganguly. His calm demeanor, natural ability, and unwavering commitment to the game make him a cricketer to watch for years to come. With his future looking bright, Ankit’s journey is just beginning, and Bengal cricket has a new star on the horizon.
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