SMAT 2026: After father’s demise, Sayan Ghosh returns to Bengal to honour his wish

Sayan attended the team’s training session on Friday before its match against Karnataka. | Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K.

Sayan Ghosh had travelled to Mumbai with the Bengal squad on Wednesday, looking ahead to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign.

But the tournament quickly took a back seat when news arrived during the early hours of Thursday that his father, who had been battling lung cancer for some time, had passed away.

The Bengal pacer immediately rushed back to Kolkata to be with his family and attend the last rites. It was obviously a difficult moment for Ghosh and his family, and there was little thought of cricket.

On Friday evening, however, Ghosh had rejoined the Bengal squad in Mumbai. He attended the team’s training session at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of its marquee clash against Karnataka.

The grief was still fresh, but Ghosh wanted to be in the company of familiar faces. He chose to return to the environment that has been such an important part of his life.

Confirming his return, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) treasurer Sanjay Das told Sportstar: “He wanted to be with the team, with his teammates, and we will constantly back him.”

Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla praised Ghosh’s spirit and determination to re-join the squad despite the personal loss.

“We got the news early on Thursday and he headed home. But he was determined to come back and join the squad. His father had been suffering for a long time, and he always wanted Sayan to play cricket. So, Sayan wanted to return and be with the team as a tribute to his father, while also finding comfort in being around his teammates,” Shukla told this publication.

The CAB and the team management have assured Ghosh of their continued support as he navigates this difficult phase. His return, so soon after the loss, was a personal decision — one that the team and the association have rallied behind.