Bengal Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla announced as batting coach for Irani Trophy's Rest of India Team

Xtra Time Newsdesk: Former Bengal cricketer Laxmi Ratan Shukla has been appointed as the batting coach of the Rest of India (ROI) team for their upcoming Irani Trophy clash against Jammu and Kashmir. The ROI team is being led by Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, with Sarfaraz Khan serving as his deputy. Shukla, who is the current head coach of the Bengal team, will be delighted to see three cricketers from his state side selected for this crucial fixture. 

Back in 2023, he had openly expressed his disappointment over the omission of Sudip Gharami and Akash Deep from the ROI squad. This time around, he will be right there in the dressing room to guide them as the team fights to lift the trophy.

The ROI squad is heavily stacked with standout performers from the previous Ranji Trophy season. Notably, the competition's top four run-getters—R Smaran (950 runs), Ayush Doseja (949 runs), Sanat Sangwan (828 runs), and Sudip Kumar Gharami (797 runs)—have all earned spots in the 15-member squad. 

Mukesh Kumar and Mukesh Choudhary will spearhead the pace attack, while Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain are set to operate as the primary spinners. All-rounder Anukul Roy, who enjoyed an impressive Duleep Trophy campaign with both bat and ball to help East Zone secure the title, has also found a place in the squad. 

Suthar has enjoyed a sensational start to his international career, scalping 23 wickets in his first three Tests, including a stellar ten-wicket match haul. He has also chipped in with 79 runs across four innings. Meanwhile, Jain made his international debut during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, where he claimed three wickets. A seasoned domestic stalwart, Jain has amassed 51 wickets over the last two Ranji seasons and recently represented the Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy.

Managing this star-studded lineup will be a significant task, but Laxmi Ratan Shukla possesses the perfect blend of playing and coaching experience to lead them forward. His guidance could prove vital in steering the Rest of India to victory against the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, Jammu and Kashmir.