Bengal Aims for Strong Start Against Delhi in Ranji Trophy Opener

Bengal will face Delhi in their Ranji Trophy season opener at the Bengal Cricket Academy in Kalyani on October 11, 2026. After reaching the semifinals last season, Bengal looks to leverage its international pace trio of Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar to secure a strong start against a Delhi team that last reached the knockout stage in 2017-18.

The home team, captained by Abhimanyu Easwaran, will also feature debutant Ankur Paul and experienced players like Sudip Gharami and wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel. Bengal will be without veteran Anustup Majumdar, who has transitioned to coaching. Head coach L.R. Shukla emphasized focusing on the team's strengths.

Delhi's head coach Vijay Dahiya aims to revitalize the team and has urged his players to perform at their best against a formidable bowling attack. The squad includes familiar names like skipper Ayush Badoni and experienced pacer Navdeep Saini, who is expected to lead the bowling unit. Both teams are preparing for the match while considering the pitch conditions affected by recent rainfall.