Shami and Akash Deep Join Bengal Ranji Team; Easwaran Named Captain

Shami and Akash Deep Join Bengal Ranji Team; Easwaran Named Captain

Abhimanyu Easwaran will lead Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, joined by vice-captain Abishek Porel. India pacers Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep have been added to the squad.

India prospect and top-order batter Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named captain of the Bengal Senior Men’s Team for the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, which kicks off on October 15. The announcement was made by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Wednesday, October 8. Wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel will serve as vice-captain, adding depth and leadership to the squad.

Bengal’s bowling attack looks formidable with the return of star pacers Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep, both expected to play key roles. The batting unit will rely on the experience of Anustup Majumdar and Sudip Chatterjee, while young talent Sudip Kumar Gharami adds flair to the top order. Promising players like Rahul Prasad, Saurabh Kumar Singh, and Vishal Bhati will be eager to make their mark in the domestic circuit.

The coaching staff is led by former India all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla as head coach. He is supported by Arup Bhattacharjee and Shib Shankar Paul, with Charanjit Singh Matharu taking charge of fielding duties.

Bengal’s campaign begins with a home fixture against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on October 15, followed by another home game against Gujarat on October 25. With a balanced mix of experience and youth, Bengal will be aiming for a strong start to the season.