Just as the debate over Bengal captaincy was picking up fast, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) gave an interesting twist to the drama. Keeping in mind the need for a bit of experimentation despite sticking to Laxmi Ratan Shukla as the choice for Bengal skipper, the selectors have handed the reins briefly to Ranadeb Bose for a crucial preparatory tournament.

The experienced Bengal medium pacer, who made himself available for the top job this season, will be leading the CAB-XI side at the Moin-ud-Dowla Gold Cup which will be played at Hyderabad from September 10 to 22.

The rather brave decision of the Sambaran Banerjee-led selection panel is set to be the stalwart pacer’s acid test in his bid for the Bengal captaincy. The side that Bose will lead comprises the main players of the Ranji team — Manoj Tiwary, Rohan Gavaskar, Deep Dasgupta, Wriddhiman Saha, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, Rohan Banerjee, Ashok Dinda and several fringe players.

Meanwhile, the mercurial Shukla has been made captain of the CAB team that will take part in the JP Atray Tournament at Chandigarh. Shukla’s team is contrastingly weaker and comprises young faces vying for earning a place in the Ranji side.

The decision to push Bose up to the captaincy for the tougher event is apparently being seen by many in the Maidan as a move to cut Shukla down to size. But reliable sources in the CAB and those close to the selection committee later told The Indian Express that the development shouldn’t be misread as an indication of things to come.

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