Ganguly returns as Bengal captain

Sourav Ganguly has been named captain of a 14-man Bengal squad to take on Punjab in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group match beginning November 23 at Mohali. Ganguly would lead the side "as long he was available", Saradindu Pal, the Cricket Association of Bengal joint secretary, confirmed.

"If Sourav is there, we have to offer him the captaincy first," Pal told the Kolkata Telegraph while also confirming that there was no resentment in the team following the CAB's announcement.

Ganguly last captained his state side at home in December 2000, against Orissa, and allowed Deep Dasgupta, the former India wicketkeeper, the opportunity last year. Shib Shankar Paul, the medium fast bowler, has been ruled out after a fitness test by Andrew Leipus at the Eden Gardens yesterday. On Ganguly's suggestion, Paul will travel to Mumbai to undergo rehabilitation under Leipus's supervision.

Bengal finished runners-up last season after going down to Uttar Pradesh at Lucknow. Paras Mhambrey, the former Indian medium pacer, will continue to coach the side this season as they aim for their first title since 1990.

Bengal squad:
Sourav Ganguly (capt), Deep Dasgupta (vice-capt, wk), Arindam Das, Rohan Gavaskar, Subhamoy Das, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Manoj Tiwari, Sourashish Lahiri, Shiv Sagar Singh, Ranadeb Bose, Ashok Dinda, Eklakh Ahmed, Amitava Chakraborty.