Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Bengal face Saha conundrum ahead of Bihar clash

Wriddhiman Saha's participation in Bengal's second match in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Bihar remains doubtful as the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is struggling with back spasms. The two teams from eastern India are set to square off at the Bengal Cricket Academy (BCA) ground in Kalyani, beginning on Friday, October 18.

After making it to the finals of the Ranji Trophy in the 2019-20 and 2022-23 editions, Bengal failed to progress beyond the first round last season. However, this season, the Anustup Majumdar-led side has added a lot of experience with the return of seasoned campaigners like Sudip Chatterjee and Saha, who were together playing for Tripura last season.

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In Bengal's first game of the season, Chatterjee starred with scores of 116 and 93, as the former two-time champions bagged three points against Uttar Pradesh from Lucknow. Against Bihar, Bengal would be vying for full points as they are set to play their first home match of the season. However, if Saha misses the match, it could be a cause for concern because of the truckloads of experience he brings to the table.

“Wriddhi is having a bit of back spasm. He hadn’t taken the field even on the final day of the UP clash. If he fails to be match-fit, either Avilin Ghosh or Shuvam Dey will take his place,” a Cricket Association of Bengal insider was quoted as saying by Telegraph on Wednesday, October 16.

Rain threat looms large in Kalyani

There is a forecast for rain in the first couple of days of the encounter in Kalyani. This is one of the fixtures where Bengal should be targeting full points as Bihar is not the strongest outfit in Elite Group C, at least on paper.

Bihar lost their first match this season against Haryana by an innings and 43 runs in Rohtak. However, it won't be easy to get past the Veer Pratap Singh-led squad if considerable time from the match is wiped out due to rain.

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Meanwhile, Writtick Chatterjee failed to make much of an impact with his off-spin in the first match against Lucknow. He conceded 105 runs from 25 overs and finished wicketless. While there were some catches dropped off his bowling, the former Punjab Kings player lacked penetration. Aamir Gani or Pradipta Pramanik could be in line to replace him unless the management backs him for another outing.