Ashok Dinda dropped due to disciplinary reasons at Ranji Trophy:

The 35-year-old Indian bowler Ashok Dinda, who had been representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, was axed from the squad when he abused Bengal’s bowling coach Ranadeb Bose during a post-practice team meeting after their match against Kerala.

Ashok Dinda was given time till the evening to apologize for his behavior. He did not apologize, so the CAB officials and selectors decided to discipline the bowler by axing him from the team.

The medium-fast bowler has played 116 first-class matches and claimed more than 400 wickets at an average of 28.28.

Bengal still looking forward to playing four pacers after dropping Ashok Dinda:

Arun Lal, Bengal’s coach, said that they will have to be aggressive and play in a way that they do not feel the need of an extra batsman. Arun Lal said that dropping one of the spinners, Shahbaz Ahmed or Arnab Nandi, will be a difficult decision since both of them claimed 5 wickets each and made a considerable difference in Bengal’s match against Kerala. Lal added that, still, at the Eden Gardens they might look to play four pacers.

With Bengal looking to play 4 pacers, Dinda’s place would have been assured in the playing XI. Ashok Dinda also refused to join the preparatory camp for the Ranji Trophy after he was dropped for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

CAB secretary Avishek Dalmiya said that Dinda is not in the team and they do not want to say anything further at this point as it might lead to unnecessary talks, especially when Bengal is playing a match for tomorrow. He added that their entire focus is on the match and that they do not want any kind of distraction. Avishek Dalmiya emphasized focusing on the team’s performance for the upcoming matches.