Ranji title for Bengal, not India call on Laxmi Shukla's mind

Kolkata: National selectors have overlooked him many a times but Bengal skipper Laxmi Ratan Shukla is unfazed as he is living a dream to win the Ranji Trophy for his state, which had won the coveted first-class title way back in 1989-90.

"We've been part of Ranji final two times, but our generation is yet to win the title. That's something we all are keen to win," Shukla, who was felicitated by the Calcutta Sports Journalists' Club for playing 100 Ranji Trophy matches, said here.

"I'm not looking at national selection, it's not in my hand. But my goal is to win the Ranji Trophy."

Bengal's Ranji campaign has suffered a big blow this season with their batting mainstay Manoj Tiwary out with an injury, while wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha and Mohammad Shami are in national duties. Having pocketed just one win against UP this season, Bengal's chances to make the quarters appear very slim as they have to defeat Tamil Nadu in their last league away tie.

That their former coach W V Raman is at the helm of Tamil Nadu now is not an added pressure, Shukla asserted. "We're focussed on our game, our target is to win the match and get at least six points," the Bengal all-rounder said.

Bengal is also suffering from an injury setback to opener Arindam Das and Shukla said: "He's a doubtful starter and U-25 opener Koushik Ghosh may open the innings."