West Bengal has always been India’s sporting pride, with its love for football and cricket deeply rooted in the state. Although the cheers from Kolkata’s soccer fields often get the attention, the state’s share in Indian cricket still stands tall. Bengal has a long list of talents that include remarkable leaders, world-class bowlers, and good batsmen. The state’s Ranji Trophy squad still holds a strong position in the domestic circuit, while the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have presented Bengal’s cricketing spirit on the IPL platform.
Let us go through a detailed discussion of the ten finest cricketers who were born in Bengal.
1. Sourav Ganguly – The Prince of Kolkata
Sourav Ganguly, popularly known as Dada, is the one and only who can be at the top of the list of Bengal’s cricket heroes. A brave leader and stylish left-hander, Ganguly, with his boldness and leadership, revolutionized Indian cricket. In the early seasons of the IPL, he was the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders—the team of his hometown—and later on, he played for Pune Warriors India. Apart from the numbers, Ganguly’s biggest plus is that he has motivated a whole generation of players to be proud and passionate about their game.
2. Pankaj Roy – The Trailblazing Opener
Pankaj Roy, one of Bengal’s first cricketing superstars, created history with Vinoo Mankad with the world record opening partnership of 413 runs against New Zealand in 1955, which lasted 50 years unbroken. This partnership was recognized as the world’s record. Roy was praised for his sound technique and his ability to remain composed under pressure; therefore, he played 43 Test matches with a total of 2,442 runs. His legacy lives on in his son Pranab Roy, who also wore the Indian team’s badge.
3. Mohammed Shami – Bengal’s Bowling Powerhouse
Mohammed Shami’s journey is from the dusty fields of Amroha to being the Indian fast bowler’s top spot, and all of it has been Bengal’s pride. Shami, who was centered around his raw pace and reverse swing, has played for teams such as KKR, Delhi Daredevils, Punjab Kings, and now he is a part of the Gujarat Titans. His precision, reliability, and capacity for making crucial deliveries elevate him to the status of one of the most dangerous pacers in India.
4. Manoj Tiwary – The Elegant Batsman
Manoj Tiwary, a stylish right-handed batsman, and his beautiful stroke play, were the biggest names in the domestic circuit. He began his IPL career with Delhi Capitals and then found a home at Kolkata Knight Riders. His international career suffered setbacks due to injuries, but his domestic performances and fighting personality gained him a lot of respect. He is now a player, mentor, and politician in Bengal cricket, providing his contribution in all those roles.
5. Laxmi Ratan Shukla – The All-Round Dynamo
The skilled all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla was a cricket player that India used in limited-over matches, dominated the domestic scene for almost 20 years, and scored a bulk of runs. The player shone with his aggressive batting and quick medium bowling, making significant contributions to KKR and Delhi in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The legendary partnership of 417 runs that he formed with Wriddhiman Saha is one of the most treasured cricketing memories of Bengal.
6. Wriddhiman Saha – Bengal’s Trustworthy Wicketkeeper
Wriddhiman Saha, the finest wicketkeeper-batsman of India, has been the mainstay of the stumps for years. After his IPL entry through KKR, he was next seen at CSK, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans. He was known for his quick reflexes and serene disposition, and his entire career can be seen as an exemplification of stability and professionalism.
7. Ashok Dinda – The Vivacious Fast Bowler
Ashok Dinda was the vivacious Bengal fast bowler who first gained fame due to his odd bowling style and bluntness. He played for India in limited-overs formats and was given the title of a domestic cricket legend by taking over 400 first-class wickets during his career. Dinda’s resilient personality, along with his refusing-to-quit attitude, made him a very popular player even when he was criticized.
8. Arun Lal – The Voice and Veteran of Bengal Cricket
Arun Lal, though originating from Uttar Pradesh, gained recognition in Bengal cricket. A dependable batsman in the 1980s, he played a major role in Bengal’s victory in the Ranji Trophy after a long 51-year wait. After he hung up his boots, he took up commentary and coaching, but still, his insightful voice and guidance continued to benefit Indian cricket.
9. Shute Banerjee- The Fast Bowler From Bengal Who Was Not Remembered
A legend from the very beginning of cricket in Bengal, Shute Banerjee was a fast bowler of the highest caliber who could match his opponents in both endurance and skill. His career spanned the 1930s and 1940s, during which he claimed 385 wickets and amassed more than 3,700 runs in first-class cricket—a real all-rounder of his period. Even though international cricket was not very open to him, his impact was such that he always became the symbol of Bengal’s future cricket.
10. Udit Birla- The Child Of This Modern Time
Udit Birla is an emerging right-handed batsman from the newer generation of Bengal who had a contract with Pune Warriors India in the IPL and hence was representing Bengal in the same league as the world’s best. His upbringing has been modern in terms of training and technique, and he has been an indispensable player for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, thus proving that Bengal’s supply of great young cricketing talents is still running.
