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Imagine working hard for nearly 20 years, enduring pain, sacrifices, and challenges, only to finally see your dream come true but not being able to hold onto it for long. What would you do next?
What would you do after that?
Option one: you break down and never look at that dream again. Option two: You rise and chase down the dream once again.
For Sumanta Gupta, option number one never came into his life. The 35-year-old middle-order batter made his first-class debut in 2023 in Bengal's infamous defeat to Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy final.
Sumanta had only one choice that day. To leave his favourite batting order and open for Bengal. That did not work out that well for him. But he knew life was not always fair.
Return to Bengal team for 2024-25 season
But, unlike others, Sumanta Gupta did not complain, and he did not try to give any excuses. He returned to doing what he does best: scoring runs at the club level. Heap of runs in club cricket and Sumanta was called back Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal.
After some valuable contributions in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sumanta played his second first-class game against Punjab in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. At Eden Gardens, where he could not handle a firing Saurasthra bowling attack, Sumanta closed the circle by scoring a 55 at his favourite number five position.
Now, after another man-of-the-match performance to take Barisha Sporting Club into the quarterfinals of the C.A.B First Division Championship Playoffs, Sumanta Gupta feels he is blooming late but fine.
"Vijay Hazare trophy gave me confidence:" Sumanta
But, even after two years, does that Ranji Trophy final hurt him?
"You cannot live in the past. The final is gone now. I have lots of things to achieve and win for Bengal cricket," Sumanta Gupta told Sportz Point in an exclusive interview.
"The Vijay Hazare Trophy has given me a lot of confidence and faith in myself. I was able to contribute to Bengal's success in tough situations. This has given me great confidence," Gupta added.
Playing at his favourite number five position
For Gupta, playing in his favourite number five position has helped him a lot this time. He has always played in the middle order in club cricket, and playing in the middle order helped him control the game the way he wanted.
"Firstly, a big thank you to Ruku da (Anustup Majumdar), Sudip (Gharami) and Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) da for trusting me again and allowing me to play in the middle order. I hope that I was able to prove myself in the opportunities I got," the man from Birbhum expressed.
After all of this, he is still disappointed for getting a ton in the Ranji Trophy game against Punjab, where he got out on 55.
Age? Does not matter for Gupta
But, at 35, how much has he got left in his tank?
Well, Sumanta has an inspiration to look at in his Bengal dressing room, if he ever needs some motivation. Anustup Majumdar, another later bloomer in Bengal cricket, who saved Bengal enormous times and went on to lead Bengal in the Ranji Trophy after turning 40, is an inspiration to Sumanta.
"First of all, as you know, age does not matter to me. I am still fit. Getting run-outs, catching well and running hard between the wickets."
"You have to expect the things God has given you. It does not matter that I bloom late; I have plenty left in me. Look at Ruku (Anustup Majumdar) da, he is an inspiration for all late bloomers like me."
"Ruku (Anustup Majumdar) da tells me that batters mature after 30, and I feel the same thing is happening with me," Sumanta shared.
Read Also | Bengal Ranji Team in Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more numbers
Can he replace Manoj Tiwary?
Just like many other middle-order batters in Bengal, Sumanta, too, had to wait long to get a chance in the middle order. Because there was someone like Manoj Tiwary performing day in and day out for Bengal. But, with Manoj Tiwary and Wriddhiman Saha retiring, can he fill their boots?
"Replacing someone like Manoj Tiwary is not easy. But, when Manoj (Tiwary) da himself motivates and guides me, it becomes easier. The last time we met, Manoj da told me that if I worked hard and stayed fit, I could win matches for Bengal. Things like this give me confidence," Sumanta stated.
"Super League helped me become more mature"
But, saying one thing and scoring consistently for your team, are not the same things. According to Sumanta, the Super League structure in Kolkata Club Cricket has helped him prepare better for tougher situations.
"I feel the Super League has made everyone better. This structure allows you to play against stronger teams more often than not. This has made me a better and more mature batter in the last few seasons," Sumanta told Sportz Point.