Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Akash Deep named in Bengal squad despite India duties; no Mohammed Shami

Bengal, one of the best teams in Ranji Trophy history, has announced its 19-man roster for the competition’s upcoming 2024–25 season. The team will once again be captained by 40-year-old Anustup Majumdar. The declared roster will be used for the first two tournament rounds; however, prior to the third round, some adjustments are anticipated.

The most significant development was the absence of prominent Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, who hasn’t played in a cricket match since the ODI World Cup final on November 19, 2023. Given the Indian team’s impending journey to Australia, the ace bowler was expected to make the cut. However, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has revealed that Shami has not been included in the roster for the first two rounds. On the roster, though, is Mohammed Kaif, Shami’s brother.

Bengal’s top order in this event will be mostly dependent on Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has enjoyed a purple streak with peak success in domestic tournaments like the Duleep Trophy and the recently finished Irani Cup, where he hit 191 runs.

Seamer Akash Deep, who has recently joined the Indian Test team, has been added, which suggests that he may not play in the forthcoming series against New Zealand, or at least not until the second Test begins in Pune, which is when round two will come to an end.

Wriddhiman Saha is back.

The first few rounds don’t include Mukesh Kumar, another pacer from India who has played for Bengal in domestic cricket. His namesake, a Himachal Pradeshi leg-spinner, has been added, though, having joined Bengal prior to the 2024–25 season.

In the previous several seasons, Wriddhiman Saha made his Bengal debut after resolving his issues with the CAB. He had previously played for Tripura. This may be the year that wicketkeeper-batter Saha lays up his boots, as he had earlier expressed his wish to end his domestic career with Bengal. Bengal’s other keeper-batter in the lineup is Abishek Porel.

Bengal’s immediate history and future

In reference to Bengal’s recent years in the top red-ball domestic event, the team made it to the finals of the 2022–2023 season before losing to Saurashtra in the championship match, finishing as runners-up. The group has put up a few standout performances, but they still need to taste the real thing in order to win the championship.

Also Read: UP announces team for Ranji Trophy, with Aryan Juyal lead

Now for the upcoming schedule: Bengal will play their first match on October 11 against Uttar Pradesh at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Then, on October 22, they will play their second match against Bihar at their famous home ground, the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Bengal squad for Ranji Trophy 2024-25