Ankit Chatterjee : In a historic moment for Bengal cricket, 15 year old Ankit Chatterjee, a 10th grade student from Bangaon High School, has etched his name in the record books. On January 24, 2025, the young left hander became the youngest player to debut for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, breaking a 35 year old record held by the legendary Sourav Ganguly.
Ankit Chatterjee : 15 Year Old Ankit Chatterjee Shatters Sourav Ganguly’s Milestone with Bengal Debut
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A Record Breaking Debut
At just 15 years and 361 days, Ankit made his first-class debut against Haryana at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. His impressive journey to this milestone saw him surpass Sourav Ganguly, who had debuted at 17 during the 1989-90 Ranji Trophy final against Delhi.
Ankit’s debut was nothing short of a fairytale. Facing seasoned bowlers, his first scoring shot, a crisp cover drive immediately drew comparisons to Ganguly’s elegance. The shot also served as a testament to the hard work, sacrifice, and relentless determination that had brought this young cricketer to such a prestigious stage.
The Journey of a Prodigy
Ankit’s rise in cricket has been nothing short of meteoric. His journey started in his backyard in Bangaon, where his father, Anup Chatterjee, recognized his passion and gifted him his first cricket bat. Soon, he was enrolled at the Sonali Cricket Coaching Centre, where his coach, Dolon Goldar, nurtured his talent.
What sets Ankit apart is his incredible discipline and work ethic. For the past three years, he has endured a grueling routine: waking up at 3:30 AM, catching a 4:25 AM train to Kolkata, and commuting for over two hours to train at the Kolkata Maidan. Despite these challenges, Ankit’s passion for cricket remained unwavering, and his hard work began to pay dividends in age-group cricket.
Achievements That Turned Heads
Before his Ranji debut, Ankit had already made a mark in age group cricket:
- U 16 Vijay Merchant Trophy: Ankit was Bengal’s leading run-scorer.
- Vinoo Mankad Trophy: He smashed a stunning 75 ball century against Assam, hitting nine sixes in the process.
- Cooch Behar Trophy: Showcasing his versatility, Ankit scored a century against Mumbai at Eden Gardens.
Overcoming Challenges
Ankit’s debut wasn’t just a celebration of his talent but also a story of resilience. He learned of his selection just two days before the match when opener Abhimanyu Easwaran was ruled out due to injury. Rather than being overwhelmed, Ankit remained calm and confident, qualities his coach attributes to his temperament.
His father, cousins, and coach have all played crucial roles in supporting his journey. From accompanying him on his long commutes to cheering him on from the stands, their unwavering belief in Ankit has been the backbone of his success.
Comparisons with Sourav Ganguly
While comparisons with Ganguly are inevitable, Ankit remains grounded. His coach, Saurasish Lahiri, believes the young prodigy has the flair and elegance reminiscent of Ganguly but emphasizes that Ankit must be given the freedom to develop his game at his own pace.
“He has the potential to serve Bengal cricket for a long time,” Lahiri stated, adding that Ankit’s work ethic and hunger for improvement set him apart.
What’s Next for Ankit?
As Ankit turns 16 on January 28, his family plans a small celebration to mark both his birthday and his historic achievement. But for Ankit, this is just the beginning. Inspired by his idol Virat Kohli’s work ethic, the young cricketer remains focused on the path ahead. “I’ve waited for this day for a long time, but this is just the start,” he said humbly.
Ankit Chatterjee’s record-breaking debut is not just a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Bengal cricket. His journey from a small town to the Ranji Trophy is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and support from loved ones. As the cricketing world watches this young talent, one thing is certain: the future of Bengal cricket is in safe hands.
FAQs
Who is Ankit Chatterjee?
Ankit Chatterjee is a 15 year old cricketer from Bangaon, West Bengal, and a 10th grade student at Bangaon High School. He recently became the youngest player to debut for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy
Whose record did Ankit Chatterjee break?
Ankit broke Sourav Ganguly’s record to become the youngest player to debut for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. Ganguly had debuted at 17 during the 1989-90 season
