Mohammed Shami Returns to Bengal for Ranji Trophy After India Omission

India pacer Mohammed Shami is set to make his domestic return as Bengal named a strong squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season starting October 15. Shami, who was not picked in India’s ODI squad against Australia, will spearhead the pace attack alongside Akash Deep, giving Bengal a significant boost ahead of the new season. Top-order batter Abhimanyu Easwaran will lead the side, while young wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel has been named vice-captain. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) announced the squad on Wednesday, confirming that Bengal will begin their campaign against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens from October 15, followed by another home game against Gujarat on October 25. The batting line-up will be anchored by experienced duo Anustup Majumdar and Sudip Chatterjee, with the promising Sudip Kumar Gharami expected to play a key role at the top. Emerging talents such as Rahul Prasad, Saurabh Kumar Singh, and Vishal Bhati have also found a place in the 15-member unit. Head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla will continue to guide the team, supported by Arup Bhattacharjee and Shib Shankar Paul as assistant coaches. Charanjit Singh Matharu will serve as the fielding coach. Bengal have been placed in Elite Group C alongside Gujarat, Haryana, Services, Railways, Tripura, Uttarakhand and Assam. The top two teams from each Elite group will progress to the quarterfinals. The 2025–26 Ranji Trophy will feature 38 teams, with 32 in the Elite division across four groups, and six in the Plate division. With Shami’s return adding depth and experience to the bowling unit, Bengal will be keen to begin their campaign strongly and push for a long-awaited domestic title.