Indian Cricketer Rajesh Banik Dies In Road Accident
- Former India Under-19 all-rounder passes away in Tripura crash
- Tripura Cricket Association expresses grief over Banik’s untimely death
The cricket fraternity was left in mourning on Sunday after former India Under-19 all-rounder Rajesh Banik died in a road accident in Tripura. The 40-year-old cricketer, who also represented Tripura in domestic cricket, sustained serious injuries in a crash at Anandanagar and was taken to GBC Hospital in Agartala. Despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
Banik’s sudden death has shocked fans and fellow players across the country. Known for his consistent all-round performances, he played a significant role in Tripura’s domestic cricket growth during the early 2000s. Rajesh Banik made his Ranji Trophy debut for Tripura in the 2002–2003 season and went on to play 42 first-class matches. Over his career, he scored 1,469 runs at an average of 9.32, including six half-centuries, and contributed with both bat and ball.
Apart from his domestic contributions, Banik once represented India in the Under-19 World Cup and also featured in the India Under-15 team during the 2000 World Challenge, sharing the dressing room with cricketers like Irfan Pathan and Ambati Rayudu. His early promise and later grooming role in junior cricket made him a respected figure in Tripura’s sporting circles.
Reacting to the tragedy, Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) Secretary Subrata Dey expressed deep sorrow. “It is very unfortunate to lose the selector of the Under-16 cricket team. We are in complete shock. We pray to God that his soul rests in peace. He was one of the best all-rounders in the state. Apart from that, he had a good grasp on identifying young talent. That is why we have appointed him as the selector of the Under-16 team,” said Subrata Dey.
His passing is being described as a huge loss not only to Tripura cricket but also to the Indian cricket community, which remembers him as a grounded player and a mentor to young talent.
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