Bengal's ace all-rounder Lakshmi Ratan Shukla, who had insulted stand- in skipper Shrikant Kalyani during the Ranji Trophy match against Bihar, may escape with a light punishment. Shukla had disobeyed the fielding instructions from Kalyani and had even insulted him on the field on the third day of the match. The team management had then and there decided not to allow him to participate for the remainder of the match.

The Cricket Association of Bengal had initially thought of a strict suspension. However, things have changed in the last couple of days. In a letter to the manager of the team, Biswaroop Dey, the Bengal all-rounder has apologised for his behaviour. He has also apologised to Kalyani and the coach of the Bengal team Palash Nundy. It is this attitude that in all probability will save Shukla. The manager, coach and the secretary of the CAB will meet on Friday to decide Shukla's future. Indications are that he may escape with a severe reprimand.

Meanwhile, Devang Gandhi has still not recovered from the knee injury that he suffered in the match against Bihar. At the moment, he is recuperating at home after undergoing an arthoscopy.

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