After being overlooked for India’s white-ball series Down Under, Mohammed Shami is set to make his return in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy campaign. The seasoned fast bowler has been named in Bengal’s 18-man squad for the premier domestic red-ball competition.
Mohammed Shami hasn’t represented India since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in March. Additionally, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has noted in press briefings that Mohammed Shami has not played enough domestic cricket to warrant a recall to the national side. Sources close to the bowler told India Today in September that Mohammed Shami camp is disappointed with how he has been treated.
Bengal Announce Squad for Ranji Trophy 2025-26; Mohammed Shami Included
Abhimanyu Easwaran returns as captain of Bengal after a brief hiatus. The experienced batsman, whose appearances for Bengal have been limited due to India A commitments, is set to lead a talented side looking to bounce back after a few underwhelming seasons.
Easwaran was relieved of his captaincy midway through the 2022-23 season because of form issues and national duties. Despite being part of India’s Test reserves for the past three years, he is yet to make his international debut.
The squad also features wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel. In the batting lineup, seasoned campaigners Anustup Majumdar and Sudip Chatterjee will be key, alongside promising youngster Sudip Kumar Gharami. Emerging players Rahul Prasad, Saurabh Kr Singh, and Vishal Bhati will look to make an impact on the big stage.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Akash Deep and Ishan Porel. Laxmi Ratan Shukla remains as head coach, assisted by Arup Bhattacharjee and Shib Shankar Paul, with Charanjit Singh Matharu serving as fielding coach.
Bengal will kick off their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on October 15, followed by a home clash against Gujarat on October 25.
Bengal Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Squad:
Abhimanyu Easwaran (Captain), Abishek Porel (Vice-Captain/WK), Sudip Kumar Gharami, Anustup Majumdar, Sudip Chatterjee, Sumanta Gupta, Saurabh Kr Singh, Vishal Bhati, Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Shakir Habib Gandhi (WK), Ishan Porel, Kazi Junaid Saifi, Rahul Prasad, Sumit Mohanta, Vikash Singh
