The return of Test opening batsman Gautam Gambhir from Bangladesh to rejoin the Delhi team in Kolkata for their crucial Ranji Trophy Elite Group A league match against hosts Bengal has boosted the confidence of the visitors who are still looking for their maiden win.Delhi need an outright win in Kolkata to stand a chance of making it to the knockouts, while for Bengal, it is a question of survival, and after losing three games in a row, they can’t afford to lose more ground.‘‘I am not short of motivation coming back to the domestic grind,’’ the 23-year-old left-hander told The Indian Express from Kolkata. Gambhir played the season’s first game for Delhi against Gujarat in Ahmedabad, where he scored 151. ‘‘My teammates have been a great support. I have gained so much from playing for Delhi, it is now time to give something back.”Bengal meanwhile, will be buoyed by the arrival of medium pacer Shib Shankar Paul, who was also part of the national squad in Bangladesh but didn’t get a game. ‘‘I am not disappointed. It feels good to be part of the winning team,’’ Paul told us.Venugopala is star attractionAnanthpur: After the stupendous win against Bengal, a rejuvenated Andhra will take on a strong if inconsistent Railways. Former India keeper MSK Prasad remains a doubtful starter as his injury has not healed fully. Y Venugopala Rao will lead the team and his all-round skills along with RV Ch Prasad will be the mainstay of the Andhra batting.Mongia dropped from teamVadodara: Former India wicket-keeper Nayan Mongia has been dropped from the Baroda squad that take on Tamil Nadu here.Two other players — Shatrunjay Gaekwad, son of former Test batsman and Indian coach Aunshuman Gaekwad and Valmik Buch — have also been dropped.Clash among equalsKolhapur: Hosts Maharashtra go into the match against Uttar Pradesh (four) with five points after playing against Baroda, Hyderabad, Punjab and Assam. Laxman to lead against PunjabHyderabad: With the change of guard at the helm, the new-look Hyderabad team, basking in the glory of a victory against Uttar Pradesh, will be taking on a strong Punjab in the Elite ‘B’ match at the Gymkhana grounds. Back from Bangladesh VVS Laxman will lead the team in the absence of Venkatapathy Raju, who retired last week. Trained by former Pakistani international Intikhab Alam, Punjab look a formidable team with Pankaj Dharmani leading from the front.Not much at stakeAhmedabad: Gujarat, on level with Delhi at eight points, have slipped after showing early promise when they almost shocked Delhi and later scored a win over Bengal. Their match against MP, who are out of the semis’ race, should be an interesting encounter.
