The debate was in fact part of a larger series of debate shows undertaken by the leading tyre manufacturing company, with the entire project dubbed as The Ceat Big Cricket Debate, spanning various cricketing issues.

The topic for the Kolkata event was: Is youth the best way forward in ODIs? And it saw former Bengal Ranji Trophy-winning captain Banerjee take on noted sports journalist Bhimani in an engaging evening session.

Speaking on the sidelines of the debate show, vice-president (sales & marketing) of Ceat, Arnab Banerjee, recalled that the reputed tyre brand was the first company in the country to officially launch its own cricket rating system. “We were the first to officially recognise and reward cricketers for their performances, and continuing our endeavour to promote cricket, we have launched this debate series. The debates envisage looking into various issues in Indian cricket, answers to which have always been equivocate. This is a unique idea where cricketers and and cricketing experts from the media are debating on various issues and also drawing public participation. This is an acknowledgment to not just the cricketing community but also the millions of cricketing fans,” he said.

In fact, Ceat is the country’s first cricket rating system that also encompasses officially recognising and rewarding outstanding performers in domestic cricket, which is set to become an annual feature.