Exclusive Ravi Kumar: "Eager to learn from Shami, Mukesh, and Akash," as he aims to contribute to Bengal's star-studded bowling lineup in VHT 2025-26
Kolkata's Ravi Kumar, the left-arm pacer who starred in the ICC U-19 World Cup 2022, has earned a spot on the Bengal senior ODI team for the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Last Updated: 08.42 PM, Dec 20, 2025
Kolkata: After his intense struggle since winning the ICC U-19 Men's World Cup in 2022, left-arm pacer Ravi Kumar has finally got his call-up to the Bengal senior ODI team. The 22-year-old was recently included in the 17-man Bengal squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. Before boarding the flight out of the tournament, the passer shared his thoughts exclusively with OTT Play.
Ravi's journey from U23 to senior cricket
Since winning the 2019 World Cup 2022, where he played a pivotal role in the guidance of VVS Laxman, Ravi has so far played only 5 T20s for Bengal. He was told to grind his way up to the senior team, and he ensured that he made right use of all the opportunities he got at the club level and Bengal Under-23 level.
Following a recovery from injury last season, Ravi emerged as the highest wicket-taker among pace bowlers in the Kolkata First Division League, demonstrating that he is ready for higher competition. He continued his strong performance for Bengal U-23, helping them reach the semi-finals in the BCCI Men's U-23 State A Trophy. Additionally, he showcased his skills by bowling six deliveries in a Super Over, attracting attention from IPL franchises.
"Looking forward to contributing to the team"
Now that he has received his call-up to the Bengal senior ODI team and a spot in the starting bowling lineup, Ravi feels he is on the right path.
"I am feeling really good. There are always ups and downs in cricket, but those experiences teach us something new at every stage. This season, I performed well in the Under-23 tournament, and my selection is based on that success. I look forward to contributing to the team," Ravi Kumar told OTT Play after a demanding session at the C.A.B. J.U. Second Campus Ground in Salt Lake, Kolkata.
"This is a great opportunity for me"
Although Ravi has finally made his way up into the squad, it will not be easy for him to get into the playing XI, and Ravi knows that. Ravi will be fighting for a place in one of Indian domestic cricket's finest pace bowling line-ups, where MS Akashdeep and Mukesh Kumar turn up in blue and yellow of Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
"Yes, you are right. There are lots of senior players, but I am not taking them as competition. I'm just looking forward to grabbing information and knowledge from someone like Mohammed Shami and then implementing them into my game to enhance my skills as a bowler. This is a great opportunity for me," Ravi expressed.
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"I will focus on continuing to do the things that have given me success"
But performing at the U-23 level and at the senior level are two different things for Ravi. Keeping it simple and making the most out of the opportunities will be the most important thing. The left-arm pacer, who is known for his swing in the opening spell and discipline at depth, wants to follow the same process which has given him success at the U-23 level.
"Be it batting or bowling, I would like to continue the process I have followed during the U-23 games. The main thing is that I'm looking forward to contributing in any way possible," Ravi shared.
With a full squad team available and a squad full of youngsters and experienced players, Bengal will be one of the favourites in the tournament. Most importantly, with their bowling lineup, they will be one of the teams to watch out for. The team from Eastern India last won the Vijay Hazare Trophy way back in 2012, and Abhimanyu Easwaran's boys will bring the trophy back to the state. Bengal will start their tournament with a match against Vidarbha in Rajkot on 24th December.