Bengal's Star-Studded Squad for Ranji Trophy Opener

The Cricket Association of Bengal has announced a formidable team for their opening match in the Ranji Trophy against Uttarakhand at the iconic Eden Gardens. Under the leadership of Abhimanyu Easwaran, the squad boasts a pace attack that includes renowned players like Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar. This strong lineup positions Bengal as a favorite to kick off the tournament on a victorious note.

Mohammed Shami, who has been a key player in Indian cricket, finds himself in a challenging position. Having been overlooked for recent international tours, including the Test series in England and the white-ball tour to Australia, Shami is eager to prove his worth. His performance in the IPL and the Duleep Trophy, where he took just one wicket in 34 overs, has sparked concerns about his form. This Ranji Trophy could be a turning point for him.

Akash Deep, another promising player, faces significant pressure in the early rounds. After a commendable stint in England, injuries have hindered his progress. Missing the Duleep Trophy due to a back injury, he underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. With the upcoming Test series against South Africa in November, Akash aims to regain his form and secure a place in the squad, especially with Kolkata hosting the first Test.

Mukesh Kumar, also part of the India setup, is looking to make an impact. Despite struggling with a hamstring injury during the Duleep Trophy, he remains on the selectors' radar, having recently played for India A in England. His performance in the Ranji Trophy could help him re-establish his presence in the national team.

In addition to these three, Ishan Porel has been included in the Bengal squad. The earlier captain, Anustup Majumdar, has been replaced by Easwaran, who is known for his consistent scoring in domestic cricket. Recently a part of the Indian Test team for tours of Australia and England, Easwaran is back in the domestic circuit, eager to make a mark.

Former India all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla continues as the head coach, guiding a team that is placed in Elite Group C along with teams like Gujarat, Haryana, Services, Railways, Tripura, and Assam. The initial matches against Uttarakhand and Gujarat are crucial for Bengal as they aim to establish dominance in the tournament.