Sourav's presence to boost morale of Bengal, Irfan raring to go

Kolkata, Nov 8 : Watching Irfan Pathan practicing at the Eden after being side-lined for national duty and the return of Sourav Ganguly evoked huge enthusiam among the fans ahead of the Baroda and Bengal Ranji Trophy tie beginning here on Tuesday.

Twenty-three-year-old Irfan Pathan, who had missed Baroda's first match against Delhi at home due to injuries, today worked out in the nets signalling a tough battle for Bengal, who roped-in former India skipper Sourav Ganguly after the left-hander annoucned his availability for the home match.

A day after Kolkata Knight Riders announced return of Ganguly as captain for 2010 season, the 'Prince of Kolkata' readily accepted the CAB's 15-member selection squad against Baroda, who landed here on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the former Indian captain was not part of the practise session for Bengal today, as he was not in the city and will join the squad tommorrow.

His elder brother Yusuf, however, is expected by tonight and join the nets on Monday.

Bengal took to the nets in the first session today under coach Roger Binny, who missed Bengal first play against Mahararastra in Pune due to demise of his mother. Bengal took five points after defeating youthful Maharasta in the Elite division play-off.

Bengal, however, suffered a jolt today when Rohan Gavaskar was ruled out for Tuesday's play following his groin injury.

--UNI

(c) 2009 Published with permission from United News of India.
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