Mumbai arrive at the Eden Gardens smarting from Monday’s defeat at home to Uttar Pradesh. When Ajinkya Rahane & Co take on reigning runners-up Bengal in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group B tie from Friday, they will want to prove that the Wankhede woes were, but an aberration in what has otherwise been a spectacular start.

Sole blow

Three big victories before the UP blip have had Mumbai keeping their place atop the points table at the half-way stage of the group league. National duty has always depleted Mumbai, and they were further hit by the call-up of Sarfaraz Khan as an injury replacement before the second Test against England. While the return of Prithvi Shaw from a long injury layoff is a big boost, he will have to feel his way in after being away from the game for nearly six months. If he gets into the groove quickly, it will be a huge relief for a top-order where skipper Rahane is among those struggling.