Railways vs Bengal – Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Match Preview (November 8, 2025)

Date & Time: Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 04:00 GMT
Venue: [TBD]
Series: Ranji Trophy 2025-26 – Elite Group
Format: 50-overs per side

Match Context

As the second round of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 gets underway, Railways and Bengal are set to lock horns in a high-stakes encounter. This match is crucial for both sides as they look to strengthen their positions in the group and keep their semi-final aspirations alive.

Railways, known for their balanced squad and strong performances in recent seasons, will be eager to build on their previous successes. Bengal, on the other hand, have been a consistent force in the competition and are expected to be formidable opponents.

Team Breakdown

Railways

• Captain: Pratham Singh
• Vice-Captain: Adarsh Singh
• Key Players:
  • Akash Pandey: A dynamic left-hander with the ability to change the course of a match. His aggressive strokeplay and consistency at the top of the order make him a fantasy pick.
  • Upendra Yadav: A seasoned campaigner, Yadav is a reliable death-overs bowler with the potential to pick crucial wickets.

Strengths:

• Solid top-order batting.
• Effective death-overs bowling unit.
• Balanced lineup with good all-round options.

Weaknesses:

• Reliance on key performers could be a risk if they misfire.
• Middle-order needs to step up consistently for consistent results.

Bengal

• Captain & Wicketkeeper: Abhishek Porel
• Vice-Captain: Shakir Habib Gandhi
• Key Players:
  • Shakir Habib Gandhi: A consistent performer with a knack for scoring runs in the middle overs.
  • Shahbaz Ahmed: A wicketkeeper-batter with a growing reputation in domestic cricket.

Strengths:

• Strong top-order batting with a mix of experience and youth.
• Effective death-overs bowling with a few pace options.
• Balanced all-round capabilities.

Weaknesses:

• Vulnerable in the middle overs if the top-order collapses.
• Need to improve consistency in the lower order.

Pitch & Weather Forecast

While the exact venue is yet to be confirmed, we can expect a standard domestic cricket pitch that favors both bat and ball. The pitch is likely to offer some assistance to seam and swing in the early stages, while the spinners may get a bit of purchase as the game progresses.

Weather conditions are expected to be favorable for cricket throughout the match.

Fantasy Cricket Insights

• Small League Must-Picks:

  • Akash Pandey (Railways) – High-scoring potential.
  • Shakir Habib Gandhi (Bengal) – Consistent middle-order performer.

• Grand League Risky Picks:

  • Kunal Yadav (Railways) – Explosive lower-order batter.
  • Anustup Majumdar (Bengal) – All-rounder with match-winning potential.

• Wicketkeeping: Suraj Ahuja (Railways) is the standout keeper option.

• Pace Bowlers: Expected to play a pivotal role, especially in the death overs.

Head-to-Head & Form

• In their recent encounters, Bengal have held the edge, particularly in tight matches.
• Railways will look to capitalize on their home advantage if the match is played at a neutral venue.
• Bengal’s consistency in both batting and bowling gives them a slight advantage in this clash.

Prediction

This is expected to be a closely contested match, but Bengal are the slight favorites to emerge victorious. Their balanced squad and current form give them a better chance of posting a competitive total and defending it effectively.

Final Prediction: Bengal to win by 5-7 runs.

Broadcast Details

• Live Streaming: FanCode
• Coverage: Live scores, commentary, and highlights will be available on the FanCode platform.

Conclusion

Railways vs Bengal promises to be an exciting encounter in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26. With both teams fielding strong squads and playing with something to prove, the match is expected to deliver high-quality cricket. Fantasy players are advised to keep a close eye on key performers like Akash Pandey and Shakir Habib Gandhi for maximum points.

Make sure to stay tuned for the live action starting at 04:00 GMT on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
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