Laxmi Ratan Shukla set to continue as Bengal coach; new roles for Wriddhiman Sah – Laxmi Ratan Shukla Retained as Bengal Coach; New Roles for Manoj Tiwary and Wriddhiman Saha
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Stability and New Beginnings for Bengal Cricket
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has officially completed its rigorous interview process for various coaching positions across all age groups ahead of the upcoming domestic cricket season. In a move aimed at fostering consistency and long-term development, the association has confirmed that former Indian all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla will continue his tenure as the head coach of the Bengal senior men’s team.
This decision follows a period of notable success for the state side under Shukla’s guidance. During his tenure, Bengal has demonstrated remarkable consistency in the premier domestic competition, the Ranji Trophy, reaching the semifinals on two occasions and securing a berth in the final. For the CAB officials, maintaining this upward trajectory was a priority, leading to the decision to retain the experienced coach to ensure stability within the dressing room.
Prominent Names Take Up Coaching Roles
Beyond the senior team, the association is ushering in a new chapter for its junior setups. One of the most significant developments is the appointment of former Indian batter Manoj Tiwary as the head coach of the Bengal Under-19 team. Having recently retired from professional cricket, Tiwary has expressed a strong desire to mentor the next generation, marking this as his most significant coaching assignment to date.
Similarly, veteran wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha is set to continue his work with the future stars of the state. Saha will remain the head coach of the Bengal Under-23 men’s team, where he will be assisted by former pacer Sabir Ali. This structure is designed to provide young players with access to high-level technical expertise and professional mentorship.
Tactical Shifts and Potential International Additions
The coaching staff for the senior men’s team is also seeing strategic reinforcement. Experienced Mumbai-based coach Surendra Bhave is expected to join the setup as the assistant coach and batting coach. Bhave, who carries years of experience in the domestic circuit, is highly regarded for his keen eye on batting techniques and his ability to refine player performance under pressure.
However, these changes have not been without some controversy. The departure of former spinner Saurasish Lahiri has been a major talking point, as he has been instrumental in the team’s success in recent years and has frequently been called upon by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. While he is currently out of the senior setup, it is believed the CAB may look to engage him in a different capacity in the near future.
The Shaun Tait Factor
Looking ahead, the senior team has one significant vacancy remaining: the position of bowling coach. While no final decision has been reached, former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait has emerged as the primary candidate. Tait, currently under contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) through the 2027 ICC World Cup, is reportedly in discussions regarding his availability. If finalized, his recruitment would represent one of the most high-profile coaching appointments in Indian domestic cricket history.
As the domestic season approaches, the Cricket Association of Bengal appears focused on balancing the expertise of seasoned professionals with the passion of former players who know the Bengal system inside out. Whether these tactical adjustments will translate into another trophy-winning campaign remains the question, but the blueprint for success seems to be firmly in place.
