Former Tripura all-rounder Rajesh Banik, who represented India within the Beneath-19 World Cup, died in a highway accident at Anandanagar in west Tripura, officers stated on Saturday. Banik, aged 40, is survived by his father, mom and brother.His demise on Friday has left the state's cricket fraternity in shock. “That is very unlucky that we've got misplaced a proficient cricketer and selector of the Beneath-16 cricket group. We're shocked. Might his soul relaxation in peace,” Tripura Cricket Affiliation (TCA) secretary Subarata Dey instructed reporters as quoted by PTI. Born on December 12, 1984, in Agartala, Banik made his Ranji Trophy debut for Tripura within the 2002–03 season. A right-hand batter and leg-break bowler, he went on to play 42 first-class matches, scoring 1,469 runs at a mean of 19.32 with six half-centuries and a highest rating of 93. He additionally featured in 24 Listing A video games, the place he made 378 runs, together with an unbeaten century (101*), and performed 18 T20 matches for the state. His ultimate first-class look got here in opposition to Odisha in Cuttack in November 2018. Banik later served as a selector for Tripura's Beneath-16 group, persevering with his affiliation with the sport after his taking part in days. Anirban Deb, secretary of the Tripura Sports activities Journalists' Membership, stated Banik's contribution went past his performances on the sector. “He was one of many best all-rounders the state has produced, however not many knew about his skill to determine younger expertise. That's why he was made one of many selectors of the Beneath-16 state group,” Deb stated. The Tripura Cricket Affiliation paid tribute to the previous cricketer at its headquarters on Saturday, remembering him as a devoted participant and mentor whose work had an enduring affect on the state's cricketing setup.
