Laxmi Ratan Shukla set to continue as Bengal coach; new roles for Wriddhiman Sah – Laxmi Ratan Shukla Retained as Bengal Coach; New Roles for Saha and Tiwary

Sagar Thapa · 27/05/2026 · 4 min read

Stability and Evolution: Bengal’s Coaching Strategy

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has signaled a clear intent to balance stability with fresh perspectives as they finalize the coaching setup for the upcoming domestic cricket season. After an exhaustive interview process covering multiple age groups, the association is set to move forward with a blend of seasoned leadership and newly transitioned legends of the game.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla Remains at the Helm

Perhaps the most significant confirmation is the continuation of former Indian all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla as the head coach of the Bengal senior men’s team. His retention comes as no surprise to those who have followed Bengal’s trajectory in recent years. Under his guidance, the squad has exhibited remarkable consistency, securing two appearances in the Ranji Trophy semifinals and reaching the final in another. For the CAB officials, maintaining this momentum within the dressing room was a top priority, and Shukla’s leadership has proven to be the cornerstone of this success.

Legendary Transitions: Saha and Tiwary Take Charge

The domestic structure in Bengal is set to benefit from the wisdom of two recently active icons. Wriddhiman Saha, the celebrated wicketkeeper, will continue his transition into a mentorship role, serving as the head coach of the Bengal Under-23 men’s team. His deep technical knowledge and international experience are expected to provide invaluable guidance to the state’s emerging talent pool.

Perhaps the most intriguing development is the appointment of former India batter Manoj Tiwary. Following his retirement and a brief foray into the political landscape, Tiwary has expressed a clear desire to contribute to the next generation of cricketers. He has been named the head coach of the Bengal Under-19 side, marking a significant milestone in his post-playing career. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to instill professional discipline and tactical acumen in the youth ranks.

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Shifting Dynamics and New Additions

The coaching staff is also undergoing tactical reinforcements. Mumbai’s veteran coach, Surendra Bhave, is widely expected to join the senior team setup as an assistant and batting coach. Bhave’s reputation as a student of batting techniques is well-established in domestic circles, and his arrival could provide a fresh perspective for the senior batters. Supporting Wriddhiman Saha at the Under-23 level, former pacer Sabir Ali is expected to step in as the deputy, providing a balanced coaching duo for the young squad.

However, the transition has not been without its departures. The absence of former Bengal spinner Saurasish Lahiri, a highly successful coach in the recent past, has raised eyebrows. Despite his frequent call-ups to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for specialized coaching assignments, the CAB has opted for a different direction for now, though there remains speculation that he may be integrated into a different capacity within the organization in the future.

The Shaun Tait Factor

The most ambitious element of the current coaching search concerns the vacant senior team bowling coach position. Reports suggest that former Australian speedster Shaun Tait has emerged as the primary candidate for the role. Currently under contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) through the 2027 ICC World Cup, Tait’s potential arrival would represent a major coup for Bengal cricket. While no official deal has been signed, the association remains optimistic about the possibility. Should these discussions prove fruitful, the inclusion of a high-profile overseas coach of Tait’s caliber would underscore Bengal’s ambition to compete at the highest level of domestic cricket.

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As the season approaches, the Cricket Association of Bengal seems focused on refining its pathways. By retaining the tactical stability of Shukla while bringing in the fresh coaching expertise of Tiwary and Saha, the state is positioning itself for a competitive campaign. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how these new appointments influence the performance of the various Bengal squads in the months ahead.

Sagar Thapa

Sagar Thapa is a senior sports correspondent for The Kathmandu Post, regarded as one of the foremost chroniclers of Nepal’s remarkable cricketing ascent. A graduate of Tribhuvan University, he started his career covering age‑group and university cricket long before Nepal’s national team gained ODI status. Sagar has since reported on every major milestone in Nepal’s journey—from World Cup Qualifiers to the rise of stars like Sandeep Lamichhane in global T20 leagues. His deep understanding of spin bowling and the specific challenges faced by Associate Member nations underpins his widely read columns. Sagar’s work is known for its gentle authority, meticulously contextualising Nepal’s achievements within the broader international game. He has been honoured by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum and his own newspaper, and he remains passionately committed to telling the stories of the valleys, academies, and tournaments that are shaping the next generation of cricket in Nepal and beyond.