The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has included wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel in a 17-member squad for the side’s opening Ranji Trophy fixture of the season, a home match against Delhi in Kalyani. His selection is the most prominent talking point in the announcement.
Porel has not played any competitive cricket since IPL 2026. In August, Kolkata police arrested him in connection with a case involving allegations of rape and other sexual offences. The CAB has proceeded with his selection regardless, continuing the approach it adopted when he was first recalled for Bengal’s practice matches in Guwahati last month.
Abhimanyu Easwaran will captain the side, with Sudip Kumar Gharami as his deputy. The pace attack includes India internationals Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep. Shahbaz Ahmed, who picked up an injury during the Duleep Trophy, misses out.
Ashutosh Aman named Bihar head coach for Ranji 2026-27
Why has the CAB continued to select Porel despite his legal situation?
When Porel was recalled for the Guwahati practice matches last month, a CAB official addressed the matter directly. The association’s position was that his off-field circumstances did not constitute a barrier to selection unless a formal directive required otherwise. That stance has now been reaffirmed with his inclusion in the Ranji Trophy squad.
“His personal and legal matters are his own matters. If the situation changes, we will take the appropriate action. But for now there’s no issue from our side,” said a CAB official as quoted by ESPN.
What does Bengal’s squad look like ahead of the new Ranji Trophy season?
Bengal enter the new campaign with momentum from last season, when they topped their group and progressed to the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Jammu and Kashmir. The core of that squad remains largely intact, giving the side a settled look as they begin their title challenge.
The pace department is a clear strength, with Shami, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep all available for selection. Shakir Habib Gandhi provides wicketkeeping cover alongside Porel. The squad carries seven standbys, offering depth across all departments, though the absence of Shahbaz Ahmed leaves a gap in the all-round role.
Bengal full squad for Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi
Abhimanyu Easwaran (capt), Sudip Kumar Gharami (vice-capt), Sudip Chatterjee, Abishek Porel (wk), Shakir Habib Gandhi (wk), Ankur Paul, Sumanta Gupta, Ankit Shukla, Subham Chatterjee, Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Pradipta Pramanik, Aamir Gani, Md. Kaif, Soummyadip Mandal.
Standbys: Karan Lal, Akhilesh Yadav, Geet Puri, Abishek Kr. Raman, Subham Sarkar, Sumit Mohanta, Aditya Purohit.
