After being left out of India’s white-ball tour to Australia, fast bowler Mohammed Shami is now set to join Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad. He has been included in the 18-member squad for the red-ball tournament.

Shami has not featured in the Indian team since the Champions Trophy final in March. Ajit Agarkar has stated in his press conferences that Shami has not played enough domestic cricket to be considered for the national side. In September, sources close to Shami told India Today that his camp is not satisfied with the way he has been treated.

Abhimanyu Easwaran is the captain of the Bengal team. He has been given a responsibility after a couple of seasons.

In addition to Shami and Easwaran, Bengal’s squad features Abishek Porel. Akash Deep and Ishan Porel are expected to make an impact with their bowling, particularly on the lively pitches.

Anustup Majumdar, Sudip Chatterjee, and the emerging Sudip Kr Gharami are renowned batters. Meanwhile, young players Rahul Prasad, Saurabh Kr Singh, and Vishal Bhati will be looking to step up and shine on the big stage.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla continues to serve as the head coach, with Arup Bhattacharjee and Shib Shankar Paul assisting him in his role. Charanjit Singh Matharu is responsible for fielding coaching duties.

Bengal will start their Ranji Trophy campaign against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on October 15.

Bengal Ranji Trophy Squad
Abhimanyu Aswaran (Captain), Abishek Porel (Vice-Captain/WK), Sudip Chatterjee, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Anustup Majumdar, Mohammed Shami, Sumanta Gupta, Surah Kr Singh, Vishal Bhati, Akash Deep, Ishan Porel, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Shakir Habib Gandhi (WK), Sumit Mohanta, Kazi Junaid Safi, Rahul Prasad, Vikash Singh.