Every Ranji season has its own subplot, but for Bengal, this one starts in the physio room. Mukesh Kumar’s hamstring and Shahbaz Ahmed’s shoulder aren’t just injury notes; they’re reminders of how fragile momentum can be in Indian domestic cricket. Bengal’s two most trusted workhorses from recent years are sidelined, leaving a vacuum that statistics can’t fill overnight. So, as Bengal braces for Uttarakhand, the real question isn’t just who plays, it’s who leads the charge when the pillars are still in rehab?
Bengal’s 17-member squad for the Ranji Trophy opener will have to march without two of their most reliable names. Mukesh Kumar, almost fit after a hamstring strain during the Duleep Trophy, and Shahbaz Ahmed, still recovering from a shoulder surgery, are both ruled out for now. Mukesh is eyeing a return against Gujarat, but Shahbaz’s comeback looks unlikely before the third or fourth round. Their absences follow a rough 2025 IPL season, 12 wickets in 12 games for Mukesh (Delhi Capitals) and a forgettable three-match stint for Shahbaz (Lucknow Super Giants). Bengal’s depth will now face its most honest examination yet.
When Seam Became Silent
Mukesh Kumar’s absence is more than a gap in overs; it’s a dent in rhythm. Over the last three seasons, he has been Bengal’s attack leader, often extracting reverse swing even on docile surfaces. His hamstring trouble, suffered mid-game in the Duleep Trophy, came right when he looked ready to reclaim form. For the Delhi Capitals, he managed only flashes of opening spells with intent but fading under death overs. His upcoming return against Gujarat could be decisive: if he finds his rhythm early, Bengal’s new-ball anxiety might finally ease. But for now, their pace blueprint feels half-drawn.
The Shoulder That Held Bengal Together
Shahbaz Ahmed’s shoulder isn’t just recovering from surgery; Bengal’s middle-order balance is too. A genuine all-rounder who could chip in with both bat and ball, Shahbaz offered rare versatility. His 2025 has been a sequence of setbacks: a sports hernia last season, a brief Bengal Pro T20 stint as captain before his latest injury, and now another long layoff. His absence reshapes Bengal’s batting flexibility, especially on turning tracks where his left-arm spin often controlled the tempo. Without him, Bengal loses both a sixth bowling option and a stabilizing No.6 batter.
Numbers That Tell the Strain
Across the last two Ranji seasons, Mukesh and Shahbaz combined for 67 wickets and over 500 runs, directly influencing six of Bengal’s nine wins. Remove them, and Bengal’s average bowling strike rate drops from 48.7 to 62.1. It’s not just performance, it’s presence. Akash Deep’s return from a back injury adds experience, but fitness remains a fragile thread in Bengal’s pace department. The data quietly underlines it: Bengal’s reliance on Mukesh for breakthroughs after 30 overs is among the highest in Indian domestic cricket since 2022.
Bengal’s early-season test isn’t just about results; it’s about resilience. Injuries to Mukesh and Shahbaz may stall the team’s plans, but they also open doors for emerging names, perhaps a chance for the likes of Sumanta Gupta or younger quicks to step up. The first two rounds will define Bengal’s tone for the season: a shaky start could snowball, but an early win without their stalwarts might just script a stronger, hungrier unit.
Key Takeaway
Bengal’s real battle isn’t with Uttarakhand; it’s with time, recovery, and rediscovering identity without its two anchors.
FAQs
- When will Mukesh Kumar return to action?
He’s expected to be fit for Bengal’s second Ranji match against Gujarat.
- How long will Shahbaz Ahmed be out?
He’s likely to miss the first two rounds and return by the third or fourth fixture.
- Can Mohammad Shami make an India comeback through Ranji form?
If he finds his old rhythm and fitness, strong Ranji performances could put him back in contention.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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