RANJI TROPHY | Bengal will aim to keep the momentum when it takes on a strong Gujarat

KOLKATA

Taking heart from its hard-earned six points against Uttarakhand in its season opener, Bengal will be keen to carry on its momentum when it meets a stronger Gujarat in a Ranji Trophy Group-C match starting at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday.

Bengal is likely to stick to its successful four-pronged pace attack, studded with Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep. Spin-bowling all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed, who is back after an injury layoff, may strengthen the squad.

Bengal’s Mohammed Shami appeals during the Ranji Trophy cricket match against Uttarakhand at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Shami regaining his rhythm to produce a match-winning seven-wicket haul in nearly 40 overs was the biggest positive for Bengal. He must be eager to record even better figures and boost his chances of returning to the Indian team.

Akash, who along with captain Abhimanyu Easwaran will play for India-A against South Africa-A during Bengal’s third round match, will look to give a noticeable performance and get picked for the South Africa series.

Ishan Porel and Suraj Jaiswal will try to make the most of the conditions as the pitch is expected to have better carry.

“It’s a good headache to have four fast bowlers (and rotate them). We have to think about the match-ups and how the ball is behaving,” said Abhimanyu.

Apart from the in-form Abhimanyu, Sudip Chatterjee and Sumanta Gupta, names such as Anustup Majumdar, Abishek Porel and Shahbaz will provide strength to the home batting.

Gujarat’s batters were instrumental in helping the side pick up three points against Assam. Century maker Aarya Desai and Abhishek Desai, who put up a 200-plus opening stand, Urvil Patel, Manan Hingrajia and Jaymeet Patel are important members of a long batting line-up.

Aarya Desai should play an important role for Gujarat, specially after his century in the first game against Assam.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR

Pacer Arzan Nagwaswalla and spinner Ravi Bishnoi will be key components in the visitors’ bowling department.

The teams will hope that a rain forecast doesn’t come true.