Ruku Continues to Run: Bengal's Crisis Man Anustup Majumdar defying Age to chase Ranji Dream | Exclusive

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Age is just a number, nothing else! And no one justifies this phrase more than Anustup Majumdar, at least for Bengal.

Anustup has been the pillar of the Bengal team for more than two decades. He has often been the saviour for Bengal amid adversities, and he continues to do so even now.

Anustup Majumdar had a stellar performance in Bengal's recent Ranji Trophy match against Railways, significantly contributing to their comprehensive victory by an innings and 120 runs. He scored a commanding 135 runs off 182 balls in Bengal's first innings, showcasing a mature and controlled innings that anchored the team's batting effort, thus scoring the 18th century of his career.

Batting at no. 5, Anustup came to the crease when Bengal was tottering at 27 for 3. Soon after that, Bengal lost another one. But the sturdy Bengal batter steadied the ship and stitched two gigantic partnerships, first with Shahbaz Ahmed, and then with Sumanta Gupta.

The Crisis Man of Bengal, Anustup's century was the highlight of Bengal's total of 474 runs, backed robustly by Sumanta Gupta's 120 and Shahbaz Ahmed's 86. Majumdar's innings was pivotal in setting a strong platform that allowed Bengal to dominate the match. Shahbaz starrred with the ball with 8 wickets across two innings as Bengal registered a thumping victory by an innings and 120 runs.

As Anustup and the Bengal team return to the City of Joy, MyKhel was able to get hold of the player for an exclusive chat. Ruku, as he is popularly known in the Bengal circuit, credits the entire team after their fantastic victory and speaks about his dream.

"I am very happy. First of all, we got all 7 points. The team has worked very hard. Everyone has performed, and the team has done a very good job. The fielding has also improved in this match. As a senior player, I have a lot of responsibility and I feel good fulfilling that."

At the age of 41 years, Anustup has declined to stop, and keeps growing stronger and stronger. He has already amassed 268 runs for Bengal this season at a healthy average of 53.6. When asked about his relentless agility, Anustup acknowledges his own hard work, which has shaped his seasons in recent years.

"It is never easy. My dream is to Ranji Trophy, and I work for that dream. I don't play in the T20I format, but we have a long season of 6-7 months. Hence, I work hard to keep myself in shape and prepare from June to August."

Apart from that, Anustup heaps praise on Sumanta Gupta, who scored his maiden first-class century against Railways.

With three wins in the first four matches, Bengal sit atop their group, but the veteran insists they can't be complacent. Bengal had a huge blip against Tripura, where they could only manage a point. With Assam next, Ruku knows the importance of staying focused.

"We're at the top of the table. But we have to take things seriously against Assam. We got a big lesson in the Tripura match. It's not right to take any match lightly. We'll see how the match goes and give our best."

It is a big dream to win the Ranji Trophy. Anustup remains adequately fueled to chase his dream and vows to step up when it matters the most. Bengal has been served with distinction by Ruku, who made his debut way back in 2004. And as we speak, Ruku continues to run.