Rajesh Banik Death News A Pillar of Tripura Cricket
Former first-class cricketer and state captain Rajesh Banik tragically lost his life in a road accident at Anandanagar, West Tripura, on Saturday. The news has left the cricketing community in deep shock. Banik, aged 40, is survived by his parents and brother. So Let’s take a look at Rajesh Banik Death News.
Banik’s passing marks a heartbreaking loss not just for his family but for the entire cricket fraternity in Tripura, where he was regarded as a respected player, leader, and mentor for young cricketers.
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Rajesh Banik’s Domestic Career: From Promising Talent to State Captain
Born on December 12, 1984, Rajesh Banik emerged as one of Tripura’s most promising cricketers in the early 2000s. Making his Ranji Trophy debut in the 2001–02 season, he quickly made a name for himself with his consistent performances. A right-handed batter and occasional leg-spinner, Banik represented Tripura across formats for over 15 years.
He played 42 first-class matches, amassing 1,469 runs at an average of 19.32. In 24 List A games, he scored 378 runs, while in 18 T20s, he made 203 runs. His career spanned from 2001-02 to 2017-18, a testament to his longevity and commitment to the game.
Apart from his on-field exploits, Banik’s influence extended to the junior levels. He later served as a selector for Tripura’s Under-16 team, helping shape the next generation of cricketers from the state.
Early Days & International Exposure
Banik represented India in several age-group tournaments, including the Vijay Merchant Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, CK Nayudu Trophy, Buchi Babu Invitational, and the Cooch Behar Trophy.
At just 15, he was part of the India Under-15 team that played in the Asian Cricket Council tournament in Kuala Lumpur (2000) alongside future Indian stars Irfan Pathan and Ambati Rayudu. The same year, he also toured England with the national U-15 side — a proud moment for the young Tripura cricketer.
Tributes Pour In
The Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) paid heartfelt tribute to Banik. Subrata Dey, TCA secretary, expressed sorrow over his sudden demise, calling it “a huge loss for Tripura cricket.”
Anirban Deb, secretary of the Tripura Sports Journalists’ Club, remembered Banik not only as an all-rounder but also as a “talent spotter” who played a vital role in nurturing young cricketers.
During the ongoing Ranji Trophy match between Tripura and Bengal, players wore black armbands to honor Banik’s memory.
Legacy & Contribution
Rajesh Banik will be remembered for his quiet dedication, leadership qualities, and efforts to develop cricket in a region that rarely finds itself in national headlines. His life and career serve as a reminder of the passion and perseverance that drives India’s domestic cricket ecosystem.
FAQs
Q1: Who was Rajesh Banik?
Rajesh Banik was a former Tripura state cricketer and captain who represented the team in domestic cricket from 2001 to 2018.
Q2: How did Rajesh Banik die?
He died in a road accident in Anandanagar, West Tripura, on Saturday.
Q3: What were his key achievements?
Banik played 42 first-class matches, represented India U-15, and later served as a selector for Tripura U-16.
Q4: How did the Tripura team honor him?
Tripura players wore black armbands during their Ranji Trophy match against Bengal to pay tribute.
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