We’ve all heard many tragic stories on the cricket field, but an incident like this on the road is heartbreaking.
Former Tripura cricketer Rajesh Banik has passed away. He was killed in a horrific road accident. The accident occurred in the Anandnagar area of Tripura.
Read Also: What if India vs South Africa Women’s World Cup Final gets cancelled due to rain?
Who is Indian Cricketer Rajesh Banik?
Rajesh was only 40 years old and had also played for India at the Under-15 level. Everyone in the cricket family is shocked to hear this news, especially with the ongoing T20 series between India and Australia.
An official of the Tripura Cricket Association said that Rajesh was riding his bike at night when a speeding truck hit him. He died on the spot. Rajesh was born on December 12, 1984.
He was a right-handed batsman and part-time leg-spinner. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for Tripura in the 2001-02 season.
He played a total of 42 first-class matches, scoring 1,469 runs. He also scored 378 runs from 24 List A matches and 203 runs from 18 T20 matches. His average was slightly lower, but he was among the state’s leading players.
Read Also: ‘Oh Punjabi aagaye oye!’ Ex-Punjab player dinner post with Team India goes viral
Rajesh Banik: Mentor of young cricketers
Rajesh was not only a player but also a selector for the Tripura Under-16 team. He played alongside Irfan Pathan and Ambati Rayudu in the India Under-15 squad.
In 2000, the three traveled to Kuala Lumpur for the Asian Cricket Council tournament together.
He was also on the England tour that same year. He played for Tripura in every age group, from the Vijay Merchant Trophy to the National Under-25 level.
His family consists of his mother, father, and a brother, who are devastated by this shock. Tripura’s senior players paid tribute by wearing black armbands during the Ranji Trophy match against Bengal.
Read Also: How Much Prize Money Awaits India in Women’s World Cup 2025 Final?
A tribute program was also held at the TCA headquarters.
TCA Secretary Subrata Dey said, “It is very unfortunate that we have lost a talented cricketer and selector of the Under-16 cricket team. We are shocked. May his soul rest in peace.”
Tripura Sports Journalists Club Secretary Anirban Deb said, “Not many knew about his ability to identify young talent. That’s why he was made one of the selectors of the Under-16 state team.”
Rajesh’s knack for spotting talent continued off the field as well.
Such losses in the cricket world make everyone cautious. Rajesh strengthened Tripura by remaining active until 2017-18.
