Calcutta: All-rounder Sayan Sekhar Mondal’s double century, in a CK Nayudu Trophy (under-22) tie against Orissa, at the Kalyani Stadium, came a day after the Bengal squad for the Ranji Trophy was selected. Had it been a few days earlier, who knows, he might have been a part of Manoj Tiwary’s side.

Sayan’s brilliant 211 (25x4, 4x6) came off 414 deliveries, after spending 512 minutes at the crease. His innings, along with Sudip Chatterjee’s 121 helped Bengal declare their first innings at 481 for six. Orissa were 32 for two at the close of play, with Sayan claiming one of the wickets.

“I didn’t expect anything… I never expect. When it’s not in my hand, why should I?” questioned Sayan when asked if he rued missing a chance.

Senior Bengal coach Woorkeri Raman too had a hand in his success. “I had a few sessions with Raman… Though he didn’t talk about my batting, he had some advice for my bowling and that helped,” Sayan, who considers himself to be a batting all-rounder, said.

Brief scores

Bengal 481/6 decl. (Sayan Sekhar Mondal 211, Sudip Chaterjee 121). Orissa 32/2 (Sayan Sekhar Mondal 1/0). Match to continue.