Ganguly's presence will boost Bengal: Raman

Bengal coach W V Raman on Tuesday said they will gain immensely from the presence of iconic left-hander Sourav Ganguly in the side as they begin their Ranji Trophy Super League campaign against Gujarat from Thursday.

The former India skipper, who retired from international cricket last year, has given his nod for the entire season, something that has boosted the morale of Bengal who struggled to make the knockout stage last season.

"No point looking into past season show. I prefer to stay in the present. Sourav brings loads of experience in the team. Youngsters can learn a lot from him," Raman said.

Manoj Tiwary will lead Bengal, which boast two former skippers in Ganguly and Laxmi Ratan Shukla, and the former Tamil Nadu coach said being consistent will be the key.

"We have a good blend of youth and experience this time and I am confident of a good show this time. Our focus will be to maintain the intensity throughout the season. Home match or away, there will always be pressure in this level of the game," he said.

The Bengal side had a training session in the morning, even as Ganguly did not turn up.

Meanwhile, there are indications that players including Ganguly and the coach did not like the pitch on offer for the Ranji encounter.

Having drawn flak from India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni who had termed it an 'ugly wicket', Bengal players also suggested to have a bit of grass on the strip.

The Eden last week hosted an ODI and Twenty20 during India's series against England.