The Bengal T20 League has established itself as one of the state’s leading platforms for identifying emerging talent. The competition offers young cricketers the opportunity to play alongside established domestic and IPL names, while performing in front of Cricket Association of Bengal officials, state selectors and IPL scouts. Strong performances in the league have regularly been rewarded with opportunities at the senior domestic level.
This year’s edition again highlighted the depth of Bengal’s white-ball talent. Experienced players led from the front, while several uncapped cricketers made a strong impression with consistent displays. The tournament also reinforced the value of senior professionals mentoring younger teammates during high-pressure matches, a factor that proved important in Rarh Tigers’ title-winning campaign.
Rarh Tigers finished top of the league table before defeating Sobisco Smashers Malda by nine runs via the DLS method in a rain-affected final to claim their maiden Bengal T20 League title. Reduced to 10 for 3 in a 15-over contest, the Tigers recovered through captain Shahbaz Ahmed’s unbeaten 88 from 46 balls, an innings featuring seven fours and six sixes. Gaurav Singh Chauhan provided crucial support with 55 off 30 deliveries as Rarh posted 165 for 4.
Malda were set a revised target of 107 in nine overs but ended on 97 for 5 despite Abhimanyu Easwaran’s 38 off 22 balls. Sukhmeet Singh took two wickets, while Raju Halder and Rohit Kumar claimed one each to secure the title for Rarh Tigers.
Shahbaz, retained for the highest fee ahead of the season, capped another productive all-round campaign. The India all-rounder believes the tournament has unearthed several players capable of representing Bengal in the years ahead. He highlighted Rahul Prasad, Rohit and Gaurav Singh Chauhan among those who impressed and said competitions such as the Bengal T20 League provide an important pathway from age-group cricket to the senior domestic game.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Shahbaz reflected on his season, the responsibility of leading one of the competition’s strongest teams, the emergence of Bengal’s next generation and why success in tournaments like the Bengal T20 League can help young cricketers earn opportunities at higher levels.
Q: This season, you were retained by your team for a record fee. How do you evaluate your overall performance? You’ve scored runs and taken wickets as well. What’s your personal assessment?
Shahbaz Ahmed: Yes, I was retained for the highest bid this season. The franchise must have seen value in having a player who can contribute with the bat in the middle order, bowl, and also lead the side. These are the qualities that make a franchise invest heavily in a player.
For me, team success is far more satisfying. If your team finishes at the top of the table after seven matches and then goes on to win the league, that’s the biggest achievement. Personally, I feel my tournament has been decent so far. My focus now is to carry this momentum into the semi-finals and final and help the team perform even better.
Q: As a senior player, which young players in the Rarh Tigers setup have impressed you the most this season?**
Shahbaz Ahmed: On the day of the auction, I was busy with an IPL match, so I had no idea which team I would end up with. When the squad was announced, I noticed that most of the players were youngsters, with only a few experienced names like Shubham in the side.
To be honest, Rahul Prasad has been outstanding. His all-round contributions have been crucial, especially the way he has handled pressure situations and given us strong starts with the bat. I already knew about his bowling because we played together in the Ranji Trophy, but I hadn’t seen this level of power-hitting from him before. That has been a pleasant surprise. I believe he has the ability to do well for Bengal and push for higher honours.
Rohit has also been exceptional with both bat and ball. He has won us key matches under pressure, including games against Adamas and Murshidabad. The way these players prepared themselves mentally and physically for the tournament has been impressive.
Gaurav also played an important role in the middle order. We know what our experienced top-order batters can offer, but the contribution from these youngsters has made a huge difference throughout the tournament.
Q: Many young players see T20 leagues as a stepping stone to the IPL. What advice would you give them on turning that dream into reality?
Shahbaz Ahmed: Neither I nor our coach Bappa Da have spoken to the players about IPL contracts or even Bengal selection. We didn’t want to burden them with those expectations.
The players know the opportunity in front of them. The matches are being televised, selectors are watching, association officials are present and IPL scouts are following the tournament. The only thing a player can control is his preparation and performance. If you give your hundred percent on the field and prepare well, the opportunities will come.
Q: Sandeep Patil has described the Bengal T20 League as a major opportunity for players to take the next step in their careers. Having worked closely with these players, how important do you think leagues like this are for the next generation of cricketers?**
Shahbaz Ahmed: They are extremely important, especially for Bengal cricket. Until last season, there weren’t enough standout performers in white-ball cricket and it raised questions about where the next group of players would come from.
After watching this tournament, I feel Bengal cricket has a very bright future. The quality of talent and the performances we’ve seen have been extremely encouraging.
I am confident these players will strengthen Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Ranji Trophy is a different format, but when it comes to white-ball cricket, I believe Bengal has a very exciting future.
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