Embracing pressure, repaying faith: Bengal’s Sumanta Gupta takes centre-stage, thrives in key moments in Ranji Trophy

In the Bengal dressing room at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat, a modest A4 sheet clings to a wooden panel on the wall — unassuming at first glance, yet louder than any team talk when you take notice. 

“Enjoy pressure,” it reads.

Sumanta Gupta, quietly having his lunch in the foyer, right after Bengal’s blockbuster win by an innings and 120 runs over Railways in the Ranji Trophy, seems to be staring into the very soul of that lifeless piece of paper as it flutters in the breeze.

The celluloid romantic in this reporter would love to believe that, for the briefest of moments, a faint smile played upon his lips — a ghost of an expression that appeared just long enough to hint at a story.

Perhaps it would have taken him back to the day which changed everything: February 16, 2023.

ALSO READ | Bengal’s crisis man Anustup Majumdar urges youngsters to ‘break down’ selection doors

Bengal was playing Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy final at the Eden Gardens. That being the side’s backyard, it was Bengal’s best opportunity to clinch the title for only the third time in the tournament’s long history. Although Bengal had made the summit clash 15 times, it could only emerge the winner in the seasons of 1938-39 and 1989-90. 

The pressure was immense, especially on Sumanta, who was making his senior debut in First-Class cricket at 32.

That he was being asked to bat out of his natural position made it worse. A middle-order batter by choice, Sumanta was asked to open by coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla. The former Bengal all-rounder felt he needed to face more deliveries. The move backfired in dramatic fashion—Sumanta scored 1 in both innings—and all hell broke loose. Saurashtra added insult to injury by inflicting a thumping nine-wicket defeat on Bengal. 

“I failed miserably. But Shukla  da also faced a lot of flak for supporting me like this. He was often told that I do not belong at this level, but he kept quiet and believed in me. In fact, he had said that I could practice at the Videocon Academy (22YARDS, Salt Lake) whenever I wanted. ‘Your job is to only perform,’ he would tell me,” Sumanta says.

Indeed, it was a forgettable outing for Bengal but strangely, Shukla wanted Sumanta to remember his knock and all the criticism that came along with it. It apparently continues to be a practice, with Shukla reminding him of that setback from two years ago ahead of every game. 

“Since Laxmi  da is a fighter himself, he has instilled that fighting spirit into us. He keeps reminding me not to forget the Ranji Trophy final. He did it today. He did it when I scored 82 (against Uttarakhand in October). He did it when I scored 98 in the Buchi Babu (Invitational Tournament in August). He kept telling me that having the determination to excel is very important. I kept getting out in the morning after staying unbeaten overnight. He asked me to stay focussed.” Sumanta tells  Sportstar. 

It’s almost like Shukla is fuelling his boys with controlled aggression. Maybe the same controlled aggression helped Sumanta record his maiden First-Class century on Sunday.

“I finally feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, especially after missing out on converting the 82 against Uttarakhand and 63 against Gujarat into triple figures. The thrill that comes along with scoring a century will remain unmatched. I have scored many hundreds in club cricket, but not here,” a relieved Sumanta says, dedicating the knock to Shukla, the treasurer of the Cricket Association of Bengal – Sanjay Das, his wife Bishakha, and his father.

ALSO READ | Still standing, still fighting: Hanuma Vihari turns a new chapter with Tripura

Anil, Sumanta’s father has been a cricketer as well, having played in the Vizzy Trophy. After Anil took up a job in the bank, he wanted his son to realise his dream of excelling in the game. Thankfully, it didn’t require any convincing as Sumanta fell in love with the sport as well.

“I started playing in 1996. My house was far from Kolkata. I stayed in Rampurhat, which is about 250km away from the main city. I remember how I used to hold dad’s hand and come to Kolkata. He will always be my first coach,“ he says.

Anil and Sumanta were misfits in the thriving metropolis. The cost of living was high as well. Finding a place to stay proved difficult but as they say, where there’s a will there’s a way.

“We found this dormitory in Dharmatala, where truck drivers used to stay. I remember they used to charge Rs. 65 a bed. You will be surprised to know even Rohan Banerjee (Bengal and Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer) and his father stayed there. We even had a truck driver throw up on us once. Yes, it was bad. But my father didn’t give up.” Neither did Sumanta.

Initially, Sumanta used to bowl some leg-spin besides carrying out his basic duties as a batter. His multiple profiles across the internet would tell us the same. But it seems like Shukla, for some reason, has pitched a curveball in this department as well.

Sumanta says: “I have played all my Under-14, U-17, and U-19 cricket as a leg-spinner. I used to bat lower down the order. I have rolled my arm over in List A and T20s, but I am yet to do it in First-Class cricket. Lately, I have been bowling off spin in the nets after listening to Shukla sir. I must say I like the feeling.”

Sumanta, a Michael Clarke fan, might be a late bloomer, but better late than never. At 34, he too harbours the dream of every other domestic cricketer in the country. Thus far, he has scored 338 runs from six FC games at an average of 42.25. 

He says, “I have extreme belief in God. Ruku  da (Anustup Majumdar) has been an inspiration. He is 41, yet he single-handedly pulls the team through. They call him the crisis-man now. I have played club cricket with him, and I have learnt a lot from him. I know when some doors close, others open. We all remember Pravin Tambe (oldest Indian Premier League debutant ever, who first wore the Rajasthan Royals cap in 2013 at the age of 41 years and 212 days). Then look at Suryakumar Yadav, another prime example. He has become India captain post his 30s. Look how (Mohammed) Shami bhai is bowling. These are living and breathing examples right before our eyes. Anything can happen at any point in time.”

But for now, his focus is unwavering. He wants to redeem himself and help get Bengal that elusive trophy. 

“My primary aim is to win matches for Bengal and rescue the team from tough spots. Ruku  da keeps saying in the dressing room that team is always the priority. Whenever the team wins, we also win. And our value also appreciates. The aim is to lift the title with Bengal.”

Seems like Sumanta is enjoying the pressure, all right!

Published on Nov 11, 2025