The Indian cricketing community was handed a massive blow this weekend as they lost former First-Class cricketer Rajesh Banik in a tragic road accident. Having led Tripura in First-Class previously, passed
away on Saturday, November 1 in an accident in Anandanagar in western Tripura. The late 40-year-old is now survived by his father, mother and brother, as reported by PTI.
Banik, who made his Ranji Trophy debut with Tripura in 2001-02, was among the leading cricketers from the state and later went on to become a selector for the Under-16 team. The former all-rounder played as many as 42 First-Class matches, scored 1469 runs at an average of 19.32. He also amassed 378 runs in 24 List A matches and 203 in 18 T20s during his stint of 18 seasons.
Tripura senior men’s team players wear black armbands as mark of respect for Rajesh Banik
In the wake of the incident, the senior men’s team of Tripura, who are currently playing Bengal in a Ranji Trophy match in Agartala, were seen wearing black armbands as a mark of respect. The Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) also paid tribute on the former cricketer’s demise at their headquarters on Saturday, November 1.
Furthermore, TCA Secretary Subrata Das also expressed his condolences on the demise of Rajesh Banik as he said while speaking to PTI, “This is very unfortunate that we have lost a talented cricketer and selector of the Under-16 cricket team. We are shocked. May his soul rest in peace.”
