Internet Desk: Indian cricket team’s pace spearhead Mohammed Shami’s presence in the team will be the key for Bengal as they face services in their opening match of the Ranji Trophy group D encounter in New Delhi tomorrow.
Shami is not in India’s T20 squad which will face Australia and he would be the trump card for Manoj Tiwary on a placid Airforce ground track.
“Having Shami is a big plus for our side. Admitted it’s a track where 20 wickets can be difficult but a bowler of Shami’s ability gives you that confidence,” skipper Tiwary said on the eve of the match.
Shami has had run-ins with injuries but will Tiwary preserve him considering Indian team needs him?
“I am the captain of Bengal team and if I need him to bowl 4 spells, he would have to bowl for the team,” Tiwary said.
“Ranji Trophy is serious cricket. We have heard for years that we have the potential to win but we must walk the talk this time.”
Bengal will also get the services of Test specialist Wriddhiman Saha and current India A left-hander Sudeep Chatterjee.
With Shreevats Goswami out on India A duty, Anushtup Majumdar will be drafted in for his loopy leg breaks.
The single spinner will be left-arm spinner Pradipta Pramanik.
The team management is yet to decide between left-arm seamer Kanishk Seth and right-arm slinger Sayan Ghosh.
Opening batsman Nakul Verma will lead the Services team which looks like a minnow side against Bengal.