A formidable Bengal team, boasting star pacers Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep alongside a contingent of experienced batters, is poised to launch its Ranji Trophy campaign with a win. They will face Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, starting this Wednesday.
Amidst heavy monsoon rains and the renowned pacer-friendly conditions of the Eden Gardens pitch, Bengal, eager to shed last season’s lackluster performance, has meticulously prepared for a memorable season ahead.
Mohammed Shami, the spearhead of Bengal’s pace attack, is keen to demonstrate his fitness and form. His strong performance here could be crucial in his bid to reclaim a spot in the Indian national team.
Joining forces with Shami for the first time, Akash Deep, who recently recovered from an injury to play in the Irani Cup, will be looking to hit his peak form in anticipation of the upcoming South Africa series.
Support for the star duo in the pace department is expected from Suraj Jaiswal and Ishan Porel, who aim to complement their more renowned teammates.
On the batting front, Abhimanyu Easwaran, returning as captain after 2022, will lead the charge alongside key contributors such as Sudip Chatterjee, Sudip Gharami, Anustup Majumdar, and promising young vice-captain Abishek Porel.
“It’s truly exciting to captain Bengal once more. I’m committed to giving my absolute best, both as a player and as a leader,” remarked Abhimanyu, who continues to await his Test cap despite several years as part of the Indian squad.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand arrives after a forgettable previous season, bringing a balanced mix of seasoned players and promising youth. Their experienced campaigners include Prashant Chopra, Jagadeesha Suchith, and skipper Kunal Chandela.
Young talents like Aarav Mahajan, Sagar Rawat, and Yuvraj Chaudhary, who impressed in the Uttarakhand Premier League, are eager to prove their mettle in the longer format of red-ball cricket.
“We aren’t fixated on the fact that India’s pacers will be bowling at us. Bengal is a strong side, but we are thoroughly prepared,” affirmed Chandela, expressing confidence in his team’s readiness.