India’s premier fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been included in Bengal’s squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season, marking his return to domestic red-ball cricket after a prolonged absence from the national setup. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) confirmed the squad on October 8, with Abhimanyu Easwaran handed the captaincy duties, replacing Anustup Majumdar in a strategic leadership shift.
Shami’s inclusion, alongside fellow India pacer Akash Deep, significantly boosts Bengal’s bowling arsenal as they prepare to open their campaign against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on October 15. The squad blends experience with emerging talent, aiming to convert consistent performances into silverware after several near-misses in recent seasons.
🏏 Bengal Squad for Ranji Trophy 2025–26
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Abhimanyu Easwaran | Captain, Top-order Batter |
| Abishek Porel | Vice-Captain, Wicketkeeper |
| Mohammed Shami | Fast Bowler |
| Akash Deep | Fast Bowler |
| Ishan Porel | Fast Bowler |
| Sudip Kumar Gharami | Top-order Batter |
| Anustup Majumdar | Middle-order Batter |
| Sudip Chatterjee | Middle-order Batter |
| Sumanta Gupta | Batter |
| Saurabh Kumar Singh | All-rounder |
| Vishal Bhati | All-rounder |
| Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal | Bowler |
| Shakir Habib Gandhi | Wicketkeeper |
| Kazi Junaid Saifi | Batter |
| Rahul Prasad | Bowler |
| Sumit Mohanta | Bowler |
| Vikash Singh | Bowler |
🔁 Leadership Transition: Easwaran Returns as Captain
Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was previously relieved of captaincy due to India A commitments and form concerns, returns to lead Bengal with renewed focus. Easwaran has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and is expected to anchor the top order while guiding a squad that includes seasoned campaigners and promising youngsters.
🔥 Shami’s Comeback: Domestic Redemption After India Snub
Shami’s return follows his omission from India’s white-ball squads for the Australia and West Indies tours. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited lack of match fitness and domestic appearances as reasons. Shami last played for India in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, and has since featured in only one first-class game for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy.
His presence in Bengal’s squad is expected to bring depth, experience, and leadership to the pace attack, especially on Eden Gardens’ seam-friendly pitches.
📊 Bengal’s Group and Fixtures
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| vs Uttarakhand | Oct 15, 2025 | Eden Gardens |
| vs Gujarat | Oct 25, 2025 | Eden Gardens |
| vs Haryana | Nov 5, 2025 | Away |
| vs Services | Nov 15, 2025 | Away |
| vs Tripura | Nov 25, 2025 | Home |
| vs Railways | Dec 5, 2025 | Away |
| vs Assam | Dec 15, 2025 | Home |
Bengal is placed in Elite Group C alongside Gujarat, Haryana, Services, Railways, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and Assam. The top two teams from each Elite group will qualify for the quarterfinals.
🧠 Coaching and Support Staff
- Head Coach: Laxmi Ratan Shukla
- Assistant Coaches: Arup Bhattacharjee, Shib Shankar Paul
- Fielding Coach: Charanjit Singh Matharu
The coaching unit remains unchanged, with Shukla continuing to mentor the squad after guiding Bengal to multiple knockout appearances in recent seasons.
🧾 Key Players to Watch
| Player Name | Role | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | Fast Bowler | Returning from injury |
| Abhimanyu Easwaran | Captain, Batter | Consistent in India A |
| Akash Deep | Fast Bowler | England tour standout |
| Sudip Gharami | Batter | Emerging top-order talent |
| Abishek Porel | Wicketkeeper | Vice-captain, reliable gloves |
🧭 Bengal’s Title Aspirations
With a balanced squad and the return of marquee players like Shami and Akash Deep, Bengal will be aiming to break their title drought and lift the Ranji Trophy for the first time since 1990. The team’s blend of youth and experience, coupled with home advantage in early fixtures, positions them as strong contenders in the 2025–26 season.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified squad announcements, player records, and tournament schedules as of October 10, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute betting advice, player endorsement, or selection prediction and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
