The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has unveiled a formidable squad for the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, scheduled to begin on October 15. Abhimanyu Easwaran will lead the team once again. The right-handed batter, who was part of India’s touring squads for Australia and England but didn’t feature in the playing XI, will look to make a strong case for a national comeback through consistent performances.
Easwaran, who missed selection for the ongoing Test series against the West Indies, will be supported by wicketkeeper-batsman Abishek Porel, who has been appointed vice-captain. The squad receives a major boost with the return of experienced pacers Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep, adding depth and quality to Bengal’s pace attack.
Shami’s continued absence from the Indian team has raised concerns, with Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar stating that there are currently no updates regarding his availability in any format. Akash Deep, on the other hand, impressed during the England series but was omitted from the squad for the West Indies Tests. Both pacers will aim to use the Ranji season as an opportunity to showcase their form and push for a return to the national side.
Bengal Stress Batting Improvement For Ranji Trophy
Bengal’s batting lineup will depend heavily on the experience of Anustup Majumdar and Sudip Chatterjee, along with the in-form youngster Sudip Kumar Gharami, who are expected to anchor the team’s scoring efforts. The inclusion of emerging talents such as Rahul Prasad, Saurabh Kumar Singh, and Vishal Bhati further highlights the team’s strategy of blending youth with experience for the upcoming season.
The coaching setup remains consistent, with Laxmi Ratan Shukla continuing as head coach. He will be assisted by Arup Bhattacharjee and Shib Shankar Paul, while Charanjit Singh Matharu resumes his role as fielding coach to enhance the team’s agility and fielding standards.
Placed in Elite Group C, Bengal will compete against Gujarat, Haryana, Services, Railways, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and Assam. Their Ranji Trophy campaign begins with a home fixture against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on October 15, followed by another home clash against Gujarat on October 25.
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