The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has signaled a paradigm shift. On Friday, April 24, the CAB officially announced that they are inviting applications for the positions of coaches and support staff for both senior and junior Bengal teams. In a historic first for Bengal cricket, the board has opened a formal hiring process for these coveted roles.
The Laxmi Ratan Shukla Era: Success or Stalemate?
Following Arun Lal’s departure in 2022, the reins were handed to Laxmi Ratan Shukla. His tenure began with a bang, leading the Manoj Tiwary-led side to the finals in his first year, though the trophy remained elusive.
The subsequent years saw a mix of bad luck and logistical failures. In the following season, Bengal crashed out in the group stages—a failure largely attributed to the CAB’s decision to schedule matches in Kalyani, where light rain washed away crucial playing time. However, in the most recent 2025-26 season, Shukla guided the team to the semi-finals, where they eventually fell to Jammu & Kashmir. While Shukla’s record includes a final and a semi-final appearance in three years, his contract has now reached its end.
The Global Search for Excellence
It has been decades since Bengal last lifted the Ranji Trophy in the 1989-90 season. Despite numerous changes in leadership and coaching, the title remains “the one that got away.”
To break this drought, the CAB, under the leadership of President Sourav Ganguly, is looking to overhaul the system from the grassroots. The goal is to groom talent starting from the U-23 level. By opening applications to candidates worldwide, the CAB is ensuring that Bengal gets the best technical minds available.
The Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for the senior coaching role, candidates must meet at least one of the following benchmarks:
• 30 First-Class matches
• 1 Test Match
• 30 One Day Internationals (ODIs)
• 45 International T20s
The Frontrunners: Saha vs. Tiwary?
Speculation is rife about who will take the hot seat. Sources suggest two iconic names are in the lead:
1. Wriddhiman Saha: The former Indian wicketkeeper is currently the coach of the U-23 side and is a strong contender for a promotion to the senior team.
2. Manoj Tiwary: The former Bengal captain and former Minister of State for Sports did not receive a ticket for the recent Assembly elections, fueling rumors that he is ready to return to the cricket field in a coaching capacity.
Will Laxmi Ratan Shukla Reapply?
The biggest question remains whether the incumbent coach will throw his hat back into the ring. Shukla, who recently suffered the loss of his father, has remained tight-lipped.
“I will speak with ‘Dadi’ (CAB President Sourav Ganguly) regarding this,” Shukla stated, adding that he remains committed to serving Bengal cricket in any capacity required.
The Road Ahead
The deadline for applications is May 1. Once the window closes, Sourav Ganguly will take the final call on who will lead Bengal into this new era.
Will a new coach finally end the decades-long trophy drought? Can Bengal become a powerhouse that consistently supplies elite talent to the Indian national team? Only time will tell, but the winds of change are definitely blowing through the Eden Gardens.
I am Suvankar Roy, a professional sports journalist with over 4 years of experience and the founder of Sportjupdate. I have interviewed numerous high-profile athletes, bringing a unique insider perspective to every report. Currently an MBA candidate at BIBS, I combine business acumen with a passion for sports to deliver expert analysis.