Bengal’s 35-year Ranji Trophy drought blamed on talent mismanagement

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta and 1989-90 Ranji Trophy-winning Bengal captain Sambaran Banerjee have diagnosed the state's prolonged title drought as a crisis of mentoring, talent management and team identity. Bengal last won the Ranji Trophy in 1989-90, and despite producing international cricketers and reaching knockout stages repeatedly, the trophy has eluded them for over 35 years.

Dasgupta said former players must take responsibility and called for better mentoring, more red-ball cricket opportunities, and a review of the local cricket structure. Banerjee argued that too many outstation players dilute the 'Bengal connection', and that individual milestones have replaced team cohesion. Both agreed that a technical committee of seasoned former players should be formed to analyse gaps.

Banerjee added that with Sourav Ganguly back at the helm of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), there is hope for positive changes, but stressed that players, former players and the coach must sit together for an in-depth review. The current season will show if the squad, led by coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla, can break the drought.