"Play for Pride, Play to Win"

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

See my journey started when I was a four year old boy when my dad took me to Belgachia United Club which is near to my place. My early days I used to practice under Mr. Pranab Nandy.

I was 13 when I got selected to represent my State, i.e., the Bengal U-15 side and there my journey began playing in different National level tournaments being conducted by the BCCI.

From representing the Bengal U-15 side for two consecutive seasons, i made my way into the Bengal U-17 side and played in that age group for two years before being selected into the Bengal U-19 side which I ultimately captained during the 2008-09 season. We reached the semi-finals before losing to Gujarat in a nail biter. In the same year I signed for East Bengal and went on to represent them in the Kolkata First Division Club Cricket. That was my first big signing. Simultaneously I was also captaining my College team, St. Xaviers College Calcutta, in the inter university meets. After successfully completing the Under 19 stint with the state side, I was selected in the East Zone U-19 team in that year itself.

Then went to represent the Bengal U-22 side for 3 consecutive years and then came the big Final break in the last season of my age group stint, i.e. the 2011-12 season when in the Col. CK Nayadu trophy I became the Highest run scorer in India in elite group teams and through that performance I was selected instantly in the Senior Bengal team, and I went onto represent Bengal in Ranji Trophy under the captaincy of none other the Prince of Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly. That was a dream come true for me, playing first class cricket and that too with the Man himself as my first captain. I was handed the Bengal Cap by Him in my debut match against Baroda.

I am currently playing for the Kolkata Giants Mohun Bagan for the past 7 years now, started my association with them in the 2013-14 season and have also captained them this season. Apart from that, I'm playing in the U.K. in Kent County League for Broadstairs Cricket Club during English summers. I practice under Mr. Manabendra Ghosh.

2. How did you decide to make your passion your career? Was your family supportive?

As already mentioned, I started my living my dream at the age of 4. I come from a cultural family background where my uncle, aunt and my granddad are renowned Artists in the field or Art and Culture. So the profession was little different to what I saw in my early days at home.

My Mother took me to practice and all the early games that I played during my childhood, all the age group inter coaching centre games and everything. She was there for me all the time throughout my journey. I owe everything to her.

3. Who is your favourite player and what have you learnt from him/her?

Coming back to my childhood, I was always a Big Fan of Sachin Tendulkar. I like many others throughout the world who used to watch or play cricket, considered him as God was a massive influence on me as a child and also as a sportsman. Apart from him I am a big fan of Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Schumacher. I can stay awake being at any point anywhere just to watch them play the game. I draw inspiration, energy and every emotion from them.

4. What is the level of commitment and time required to make a sport a career?

The biggest achievement came when we won the Vijay Hazare trophy under his captaincy in 2012 and I was a member of the squad. During the semi-final match against Punjab which we were playing in Palam, Delhi, I lost my father. I continued to play the match and then returned back to Kolkata to complete all the rituals before flying back to Delhi again for the Finals against Mumbai, which we won ultimately.

So, you can understand the level of commitment one needs to put in order to make his career in sports. You can’t mix up your profession with your personal life.

5. How can we encourage more youngsters to take up sports as a full time profession?

Well my advice for the young generation who is taking up sports would be, just believe in yourself, have faith that you can do it to. A sportsman's life is not an easy life to lead with many sacrifices that might come your way and many challenges that you would face every game, every training session that you come across. Just keep pushing your limits and take the training sessions seriously. Because what you practice will be reflected in your performance on the ground. There are no short cuts to success. Only play the game if you want to be the best or else don’t take up sports. Everyone will not be number 1 but what will matter is what kind of attitude you carry when you are playing. Play for pride, play to win. Someday or the other you too will surely be a champion.

- Jayojit Basu

Interview By - Abhirup Dey