CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel has been included in Bengal’s squad for the opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy. Porel was recently granted bail in a rape case. The allegations against him are still before the court and he has not been convicted.
Bengal’s 17-member squad will be led by Abhimanyu Easwaran. The team will play its first match of the Ranji season against Delhi on October 11 in Kalyani. The match was earlier scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, but was later shifted to the Bengal Cricket Academy ground in Kalyani.
Experienced Indian fast bowlers Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep have also been included in the squad. Akash Deep will play domestic cricket to prove his fitness and form after returning from injury. Shami’s presence will strengthen Bengal’s pace attack.
Porel was arrested in August on the basis of a complaint filed by a medical student. The complaint included allegations of rape, criminal intimidation and matters related to private recordings. Porel has denied the allegations. He was granted bail in September after spending 36 days in custody. The legal process in the case is still under way.
Hashtags: #Sports #Bhopal #AbishekPorel #BengalRanjiSquad #RanjiTrophy #MohammedShami #RanjiTrophy202627 #AbhimanyuEaswaran #MukeshKumar #AkashDeep
