Utpal is Bengal's Cricketer of the Year

Utpal Chatterjee, the left arm spinner from Bengal will be shortly declared Cricketer of the Year from Bengal. The official announcement will come in a week's time. Chatterjee had taken a record 52 wickets in the eight Ranji Trophy matches that Bengal played last season. He captured five wickets in an innings six times and had took ten wickets in a match twice. As a result, the selectors of the state had no option but to choose him. The selectors have already informed the Cricket Association of Bengal regarding their decision.

The CAB, however, had reservations about the veteran left arm spinner as he always stays away from prize distribution ceremonies and official functions organized by the CAB. Initially, when the selectors informed a couple of office bearers of the CAB regarding their decision to choose Chatterjee as the "Cricketer of the year" for the 1999-2000 season, the latter had expressed their displeasure. However, the office bearers could not come up with any second name to replace Chatterjee. Amidst Bengal's dismal show last season, it was Chatterjee who stood out with his brilliant bowling effort. It was mainly due to the efforts of Chatterjee, who was also the captain of the side, that Bengal managed to qualify for the Super League. Chatterjee, who turns 36 next month, played for India in three ODI's in the mid nineties.