The cricketing community is in mourning following the tragic death of former Tripura all-rounder Rajesh Banik, who passed away at the age of 40 in a road accident on Friday at Anandanagar in west Tripura.
Banik, a talented figure who represented India in the Under-19 World Cup, is survived by his father, mother, and brother. His untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the state’s cricket fraternity.
Reflecting on the loss, Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) secretary Subarata Dey expressed deep sadness, stating, “This 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.”
Born on December 12, 1984, in Agartala, Banik made his first-class debut for Tripura in the 2002–03 Ranji Trophy season. A skilled right-hand batter and leg-break bowler, he played 42 first-class matches, accumulating 1,469 runs, including six half-centuries, with a top score of 93. He also participated in 24 List A games, scoring 378 runs, which featured an impressive unbeaten century (101*), and competed in 18 T20 matches for the state team.
His last first-class match was against Odisha in Cuttack in November 2018. After his playing career, Banik continued to contribute to the sport by serving as a selector for Tripura’s Under-16 team.
Anirban Deb, secretary of the Tripura Sports Journalists’ Club, highlighted Banik’s impact beyond his on-field performance. “He was one of the finest all-rounders the state has produced, but 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,” Deb explained.
The Tripura Cricket Association held a tribute at its headquarters on Saturday, honoring Rajesh Banik’s memory as a dedicated player and mentor whose contributions significantly shaped the state’s cricketing landscape. He leaves behind a legacy of passion and commitment to the game.