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He has played for East Bengal and won trophies with them. But, like many big stars of Kolkata Maidans, Ranjot Singh Khaira will now be taking on his old team in a big semi-final for Mohun Bagan in a special Kolkata derby coming this week.
The 26-year-old top-order batter has regained his confidence after scoring an important 124 for Mohun Bagan A.C. in the C.A.B. First Division Championship Quarter-final against Mohammedan Sporting Club to reach the semis.
But now, he will take on their arch-rival of the Kolkata maidans and his former team East Bengal in a mouthwatering semi-final clash at Videocon Ground, starting from 24th April. Before the mega semi-final, Ranjot shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.
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"I have regained my confidence"
From his U-19 days, Ranjot has been renowned as a free-flowing batter who just loves to dominate the opponent whenever there is an opportunity. This mentality quickly earned his LIST-A debut in 2021. But, since then, he has been in and out of the team and only played 13 T20s, 3 LIST-A and 2 First-class games for Bengal.
But after scoring in an important game, Ranjot feels this score has done a lot for his confidence, and he has regained his self-belief.
"Confidence plays a key role in every player's career. But self-confidence comes from doing well in games. Only game time can help us regain that self-belief we lack. So, a big score for a club like Mohun Bagan and in a knockout match has certainly helped me regain my confidence," Ranjot told Sportz Point.
Talking about his limited opportunities for Bengal in the last four years, Ranjot said, "You cannot judge someone with one or two games. You have to see if he/she has been given a chance in the long run or not. Then you can evaluate."
"Surely, I could have done better in the chances I got. But I feel I had a good debut in the Ranji Trophy, but again, I got injured in the next match," Ranjot added.
"I want to make a name for myself"
Since Ranjot had to sit out in many games due to team combination, the top-order batter has now started bowling as well, which was once his biggest strength. "I have started bowling again. I am feeling good with my leg spin. It feels great. I feel I am ready to contribute to my team's success with bat, ball and fielding," Ranjot expressed.
"I want to make a difference when I play. I know the value of a name. That’s what I want for myself; to make a name for myself in this beautiful game," Ranjot shared.
"They want nothing but the trophy"
But how do you make a name for yourself? Ranjot knows the formula. Since his childhood, he has been part of big teams in Kolkata and has already played for three of the biggest cricket clubs of the Kolkata maidan. He knows, scoring in big games for big clubs and helping them win trophies is something that gets valued more than anything in Bengal cricket.
"If you are playing for any of the big four clubs in Kolkata, the competition is already tough. There is pressure and expectations to win trophies. That is why it is important to do well in these kinds of knockout matches."
"I have heard from childhood that you have to score in these kinds of big games to get recognised in Kolkata Club cricket or Bengal cricket overall. The fans and the club want nothing but the trophy. This is what makes it more special."
"When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat"
However, we all know that having the formula and executing it in the field are two different things altogether. So, how does Ranjot Sing Khaira execute things?
"It has always been a simple formula for me. When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat. Do not give them any chance to rise and make a comeback," Ranjot stated.
"Like, if you take the quarter-final game. Though we scored 380, we knew it was chaseable. So, in big games when you are playing against good teams, you need to make sure that when you have them under pressure, you pin them down," he added.