Former Indian cricketer Rajesh Banik tragically passed away in a road accident in Anandnagar, Tripura. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) on Saturday.
Banik, widely regarded as one of Tripura’s finest cricketers, made his first-class debut for the Tripura state team during the 2001–02 Ranji Trophy season. Over the course of his career, he scored nearly 1,500 runs in 42 first-class matches and also featured in 24 List A matches and 18 T20 matches, leaving a significant mark on Tripura cricket.
Following his retirement from active play, Banik continued to contribute to the game as a selector for Tripura’s under-16 team, nurturing young talent and guiding the next generation of cricketers.
TCA Secretary Subrata De expressed his sorrow, stating:
“It is extremely sad that we have lost a very talented former cricketer and under-16 team selector. We are all deeply saddened. We pray for the peace of his departed soul.”
Banik also represented India in youth cricket. In 2000, he played in the Under-15 Asian Cricket Council Tournament in Malaysia alongside future international stars Irfan Pathan and Ambati Rayudu. The same year, he toured England with India’s Under-15 squad.
Throughout his career, he competed in numerous age-group tournaments, representing Tripura in competitions such as the Vijay Merchant Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, C.K. Nayudu Trophy, M.A. Chidambaram Trophy, Buchi Babu Trophy, Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy, and the National Under-25 Tournament.
Currently, Tripura is playing a Ranji Trophy match against Bengal in Agartala. In tribute to Banik, the players have worn black armbands throughout the match.
Rajesh Banik – Career Overview
| Format | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| First-class | 42 | ~1,500 |
| List A | 24 | – |
| T20 | 18 | – |
| International Youth | Under-15 ACC Tournament (Malaysia), England tour | – |
Banik’s untimely death is a tremendous loss to Tripura and Indian cricket, leaving a legacy both on and off the field.