From Varanasi to Vijay Hazare via Howrah: Bengal's teenage wonderkid Rohit Yadav dreams loftier Heights after Domestic Debut | Exclusive

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Kolkata and the Maidan of the city have paved the way for many great cricketers. From Sourav Ganguly to the current generation's Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami, Bengal cricket has provided the stage for many who have gone on to don the India shirts.

A number of players have built their careers with the Bengal shirt from the neighbouring states. In the current Kolkata circuit, many players have found a home in Bengal far away from their birthplace, as players from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh have honed the CAB colours in recent years.

The latest addition to the list is Rohit Yadav, a 17-year-old Varanasi-born talented leg-spinner who made his debut for Bengal in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Rohit, known for weaving his web with the revolution of the ball, played his first match for Bengal against Jammu and Kashmir on the final day of 2025. And the new year brought him luck. After not getting a chance to bowl in the first encounter, Rohit showed his magic against Assam, taking two wickets in his first outing with the ball.

"I'm feeling good. In my debut match and I didn't get to bowl. But I got to bowl today. The team won, and that makes it feel more special," Rohit said to MyKhel in an exclusive interview after the Assam match.

It was quite fitting, that he received his debut cap from Anustup Majumder and Shahbaz Ahmed. Anustup, on the eve of his 100th List A match, also made the youngster wear the cap at the pre-match ceremony on the ground against Jammu and Kashmir.

The youngster came to Kolkata from his hometown Varanasi at the age of 11 years. His parents left him with his elder sister, who lives in the Liluah area of Howrah, and Rohit's journey started from there. His formative years were spent in Howrah's Ichapur, where he trained at Laxmi Ratan Shukla's Cricket Academy, a former India player and current head coach of Bengal. And with some big names in the current Bengal team, Rohit is assimilating all the learnings.

"Laxmi sir has always been so supportive. He has given me valuable advice and has backed me. Playing me for the senior team at this age is massive. And from Shami bhai (Mohammed Shami), Akash bhai (Akash Deep), Shahbaz bhai (Shahbaz Ahmed), I keep learning from all. I talk with them and they tell me to be relaxed and bowl with the basics."

Along with that, Rohit acknowledges the support of Saurasish Lahiri, the former Bengal player and current youth coach, for playing a pivotal part in his budding days.

"In the U19 days, Saurasish Sir helped me a lot. He supported me and taught me many things."

Rohit played for the Adamas Howrah Warriors in the second season of the Bengal Pro T20 League, where he picked up 9 wickets in eight matches. The youngster has touched a dream of wearing Bengal senior colours, now he eyes the next one.

"Bengal ko jeetana hain. Wo hi dhyaan me hain apna. (I wish to win Bengal matches and tournaments, that is my only aim)."

Rohit has an Instagram profile where the bio depicts his dream and determination to play in the IPL. Although his devotion to the almighty may aid in his journey, Rohit himself has the biggest weapon to convert the dream into reality.

The cricketing fraternity in Bengal harbours lofty expectations for Rohit as well. This prodigy has elevated his stature by significant strides over the past year, and his inaugural foray among the elite has commenced in a decent fashion.