Former India Under-19 World Cup player Rajesh Banik, who had represented Tripura, died in a road accident at Anandnagar, a place in West Tripura. According to a report of the Times of India, an official confirmed the demise on Saturday. The 40-year-old former all-rounder was also the selector for the Under-16 cricket team for the state. Banik left behind his father, mother and a brother. The Tripura Cricket Association has officially expressed their condolences. On Saturday, the TCA paid tribute to Banik at the headquarters. Subrata Dey, the TCA secretary, said, as quoted by PTI, "This is very unfortunate that we have lost a talented cricketer and selector of the Under-16 cricket team. We are shocked. May his soul rest in peace." The secretary of the Tripura Sports Journalists' Club, Anirban Deb, further highlighted Banik's special ability to pick young talents. Deb said, "He was one of the finest all-rounders the state has produced, but not many knew about his ability to identify young talent. That's why he was made one of the selectors of the Under-16 state team." Read also: Watch: Rishabh Pant’s Fiery Comeback – Smashes a Six Right After Commentator’s Remark Rajesh Banik: Tripura’s Steady Domestic Cricket Performer Rajesh Banik, born on December 12, 1984, in Agartala, Tripura, is a former Indian cricketer who represented Tripura across all domestic formats. A right-handed batter and legbreak bowler, Banik made his First-Class debut in the 2000–01 season and featured in 42 matches, scoring 1,469 runs with six half-centuries and a top score of 93. In List A cricket, he appeared in 24 games, amassing 378 runs at an average of 18.00, including a brilliant unbeaten 101. Banik also played 18 T20 matches, collecting 203 runs. Though primarily known for his batting, he occasionally bowled, claiming notable figures of 4 for 40 in List A cricket. His last First-Class appearance came in 2018 against Odisha, marking the end of a consistent career for Tripura cricket.