September 30, 2025: Aditya Roy, a 19-year-old boy from Garia, Bansdroni doesn’t just play cricket, he lives it. For him, every run tells a story of family, sacrifice, and dreams. A college-going young gun, residing in Garia, Bansdroni stood up to the task in the final of the GCA-Reliance Men's Under-19 All India Invitation (3-day) Tournament against Gujarat 1, smashing a match-winning century on the first day. His 107 off 178 balls, studded with 15 boundaries, put Bengal in driver's seat towards a dominating first innings score of 355.
That was the decisive innings, for Bengal went on to win the title on the first-innings lead after the final match ended in a draw. The victory also confirmed Bengal U-19's third consecutive pre-season crown, after they had won the Inter-State One-Day and Multi-day (Siechem Trophy) titles.
The silent pillar behind his success
But behind the teenage cricketer's moment of glory is a story of dedication and encouragement-most of all from his grandmother. "She is the person who has taken me to matches, whether in Bengal or outside since childhood. My journey as a cricketer is closely connected with her," Aditya said, reflecting on the contribution of his family to his success.
Idolising Ben Stokes, dreaming of KKR
When queried about his cricketing idol, Aditya chose England all-rounder Ben Stokes: "I am drawn to his fierce attitude and his game-winning capabilities single-handedly." And if the IPL dream comes true? "Of course, KKR," he smiles, choosing his home franchise. His advice to aspiring cricketers is straightforward yet powerful: "There's no replacement for hard work. Keep doing hard work."
A father’s pride and perspective
For his father, pride is immeasurable. "Can there be anything prouder than seeing on screen your son scoring a century?" he stated, remembering the day Aditya scored a century. Balancing studies and games, he insists, they have never put any pressure. "We have never pressurized him. It's not humanly possible to score 100's in studies and on the field at the same time. Nevertheless, Aditya scored over 90% in his Higher Secondary exams."
Aditya's dad also disclosed the deeper origins of Aditya’s cricketing journey, "You can say it was my wish to be a cricketer, and he is fulfilling that now. With me working and his mother being a housewife and taking care of his younger brother, it was his grandmother who took him to training sessions and matches. Aditya is very much connected to her."
What is his father's greatest dream? His voice softened with hope, "Watching Aditya wearing the blue jersey, wearing the cap, stepping out of the dressing room to the middle of the stadium- that will be the best day of my life."
Team effort sealed the title
On the field, Bengal bowlers made Aditya's hundred count. Kushal Gupta (5/39), Sayan Paul (2/47), and Ashutosh Kumar (1/25) bowled magnificent spells to restrict Gujarat 1. The team got ₹2 lakh as prize money, but for Aditya, the actual prize is the journey- a journey on a grandmother's shoulders, motivated by a father's dream, and led by his own tireless perseverance. While Bengal were basking in the glory of their third title in succession, the picture of a 19-year-old lifting his bat at Ahmedabad was more than just a cricketing image.
