The season is yet to begin, but Bengal already seem to be having a reason to worry. Shahbaz Ahmed, one of their vital members, is likely to miss the first phase of this season’s Ranji Trophy, which begins on October 15.
The left-arm spinner all-rounder, who hurt his right shoulder in the recently concluded Bengal Pro T20 League, underwent surgery in Mumbai last month. But it will take him at least four months to be fully fit to return to action.
“It will take Shahbaz close to a week to begin his recovery process. So, it appears he won’t be able to return before November,” said a Cricket Association of Bengal source.
It was only late last year that Shahbaz had a hernia operation in Germany, which forced him out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Ranji second phase.
Bengal's pre-season will begin midway through this month. In Ranji, Anustup Majumdar, 41, is expected to continue leading the side. He also had a meeting with CAB president Snehasish Ganguly on Wednesday to discuss team-related matters.