The academic buzz at Maharaja Bir Bikram University is set to fade into the roar of the crowd this Saturday, as Tripura’s cricket team takes on a formidable Bengal side in a crucial Ranji Trophy Elite Group-C fixture. For the students and locals, cricket matches are a rare spectacle, transforming the stadium — conveniently located just moments from campus — into a lively festival of sport. Remember early 2024, when eager students defied barriers just to glimpse local captain Manisankar Murasingh and then-Tamil Nadu all-rounder Vijay Shankar? This season, with Vijay Shankar now proudly wearing Tripura’s blue-and-white crest, expect those chants to be even more fervent.
However, the loudest cheers might just be reserved for the opposition’s star bowler, Mohammed Shami. Since his return from a long injury layoff last November, Shami has been in sensational form, relentlessly pushing his case for a spot in the national Test squad. His impressive haul of 15 wickets in just two Ranji Trophy games makes him a significant threat, fueling speculation about his inclusion in the upcoming home series against South Africa, starting November 14.
Yet, the pitch in this region isn’t typically tailored for pace bowlers like Shami. Curators are expected to prepare a flat surface, which, as Tripura captain Manisankar Murasingh bluntly states, means “Whoever rules the roost on the first two days will take the game.”
Bengal, despite their strong form, will have to contend without their regular skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran and pacer Akash Deep, both called up for the unofficial Test against South Africa-A. This shift will see Abishek Porel step up to lead the senior side for the first time.
Meanwhile, Tripura is reeling from consecutive losses against Haryana and Services. Despite individual brilliance, such as Swapnil Singh’s impressive seven-wicket haul and a five-for, the team needs its experienced guest players, Hanuma Vihari and Vijay Shankar, to find their rhythm and contribute significantly. Time is running out for Tripura to turn their fortunes around in this competitive group.