Shami and Akash Deep Return as Easwaran Takes Helm in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Season
The Cricket Association of Bengal 
(CAB) has rolled out a powerhouse 17-member squad for the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.
Injecting fresh impetus into the side’s campaign with the inclusions of India pacers Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep.
Abhimanyu Easwaran steps up as captain, backed by vice-captain Abishek Porel, as Bengal eyes a strong showing in Elite Group C to revive their fortunes after a middling 2024-25 season.
The announcement, timed perfectly ahead of the October 15 opener, underscores a blend of international pedigree and domestic resilience, setting the stage for a competitive return to the domestic arena.
Fresh off international duties, Shami and Akash Deep’s availability marks a significant boost, particularly for the pace attack, which struggled for consistency last term.
Easwaran, a prolific opener with over 7,000 first-class runs, assumes the captaincy mantle after featuring in India’s recent tours to Australia and England, where he remained on the bench but impressed in nets.
Porel, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, earns his vice-captaincy stripes following a breakout IPL stint with Delhi Capitals.
The squad emerges from a selection process prioritizing form and fitness, with a focus on red-ball specialists to navigate the grueling league format.
Bengal, who finished fourth in Elite Group C last season with just one win in seven outings, will be desperate to climb the ladder in a revamped group featuring Gujarat, Haryana, Services, Railways, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and Assam.
Squad Composition: Key Players and Roles
Bengal’s lineup combines batting depth with a varied bowling arsenal, featuring three wicketkeepers for flexibility across conditions.
Here’s the full 17-member squad:
| Player Name | Role | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Abhimanyu Easwaran (C) | Opener/Batter | 7,000+ first-class runs; India squad member for Aus/Eng tours |
| Abishek Porel (VC, WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter | IPL experience with DC; emerging leader and middle-order finisher |
| Sudip Kumar Gharami | Batter | Consistent top-order; 1,000+ runs in last two domestic seasons |
| Anustup Majumdar | Batter | Veteran middle-order anchor; former captain with tactical nous |
| Sudip Chatterjee | Batter | Experienced opener; key in Bengal’s 2019-20 semi-final run |
| Sumanta Gupta | Batter | Promising youngster; aggressive stroke-player in shorter formats |
| Saurabh Kumar Singh | Batter | Solid accumulator; adds depth to lower middle order |
| Vishal Bhati | All-Rounder | Seam-bowling all-rounder; breakthrough performer in club cricket |
| Mohammed Shami | Pacer | 170+ Test wickets; returns post-injury for national recall push |
| Akash Deep | Pacer | India Test debutant; 40+ wickets in 2024-25 domestic season |
| Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal | Pacer | Emerging swing bowler; led Bengal’s pace charts last season |
| Shakir Habib Gandhi (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Reliable gloveman; handy with the bat in domestic circuits |
| Ishan Porel (WK) | Wicketkeeper | Backup option; sharp behind the stumps |
| Kazi Junaid Saifi | Pacer | Left-arm seamer; adds variety and bounce |
| Rahul Prasad | Pacer | Raw pace; impressed in trials and age-group cricket |
| Sumit Mohanta | All-Rounder | Spin-bowling utility; contributes in subcontinent conditions |
| Vikash Singh | All-Rounder | Lower-order hitter; handy medium-pacer |
Easwaran’s leadership will hinge on a top order featuring Gharami and Chatterjee, providing stability before the middle-order firepower of Majumdar and Porel.
The bowling spearhead, Shami, brings World Cup-winning experience and lethal yorkers, while Akash Deep’s bounce and accuracy – honed during his England tour stints – promise breakthroughs on lively tracks.
Emerging pacers like Jaiswal and Saifi round out a five-man seam attack, with Mohanta offering spin relief in a group laden with spin-friendly venues.
Highlights: Boosts, Leadership, and Emerging Talents
The squad’s marquee inclusions dominate headlines. Shami, sidelined by injury last season and absent from Bengal’s 2024-25 squads, makes a timely comeback, eyeing a Test recall ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
His 170-plus international wickets could tilt tight contests, especially at Eden Gardens. Akash Deep, who claimed 40 wickets in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy,
But was dropped for the West Indies series, joins him as a like-for-like enforcer, their combined experience a far cry from last year’s seam struggles.
Abhimanyu Easwaran’s captaincy appointment is equally telling – the 30-year-old, overlooked for playing XIs on recent tours, now has a platform to showcase his acumen.
“It’s an honor to lead Bengal in this iconic tournament. With Shami bhai and Akash back, we’re geared for a strong start,” Easwaran said post-announcement.
Vice-captain Porel, at 21, represents the youth infusion, his glovework and finishing prowess earning selectors’ trust.
Notable are the fresh faces: Saurabh Kumar Singh and Vishal Bhati, both under-25, add youthful vigor, while Rahul Prasad’s raw pace from trials signals long-term investment.
Veterans like Anustup Majumdar provide continuity, having led in patches last season. Absent are retirees like Wriddhiman Saha and injured stars, but the squad’s depth mitigates risks.
Group C Fixtures of Ranji Trophy: Home Advantage in Sight
Bengal kicks off against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens from October 15-18, a winnable home fixture to build momentum.
Their second clash is another Eden outing versus Gujarat starting October 25, pitting Shami’s guile against the defending runners-up’s batting might.
Subsequent away games against Haryana and Services will test adaptability, with the group’s spin-heavy sides like Railways demanding versatility.
In the points-driven format, where the top two per Elite group advance to knockouts and the bottom two risk relegation, home soil could prove decisive – Bengal won both Eden games last season.
Coaching Setup: Stability with Expertise
Laxmi Ratan Shukla continues as head coach, his second season at the helm bringing tactical depth from his India A coaching days.
Supported by bowling coach Arup Bhattacharjee, batting mentor Shib Shankar Paul, and fielding coach Charanjit Singh Matharu, the staff emphasizes mental conditioning.
Preparations at Eden and Mohun Bagan fields have simulated high-pressure scenarios, with Shami’s integration a focal point. Shukla remarked, “This squad has the fire to compete.
Easwaran’s calm demeanor, paired with our pace battery, can take us far.”
The Bigger Picture: Chasing Domestic Redemption
Bengal’s Ranji Trophy ledger boasts two titles (1989-90, 1995-96), but recent years have been trophyless, marked by quarterfinal heartbreaks and early exits.
Last season’s fourth-place finish exposed bowling frailties, but this revamped unit – blending Test hopefuls with hungry prospects – signals ambition.
For Shami and Akash Deep, it’s a redemption arc; for Easwaran, a captaincy audition. As Eden Gardens gears up for the opener.
Bengal faithful dream of a deep run, reigniting the passion that once made Kolkata cricket’s heartbeat. In Ranji’s unforgiving theater, this squad is primed to perform.
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