Former India wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha is being considered for the role of head coach of Bengal`s Under-23 team, just six months after announcing his retirement from competitive cricket. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is weighing its options for various coaching positions ahead of the 2025–26 domestic season, with a final decision expected next week.
Saha, who called time on his first-class career at the conclusion of Bengal’s league-stage campaign in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, has long been viewed as a potential coach by many within the Bengal cricketing circuit. Saha, 40, is regarded as someone who could play a key role in nurturing the next generation of cricketers.
According to a senior CAB official, Saha has already been approached informally. “The CAB brass will be zeroing in on all the candidates for various teams by next week. Obviously, Wriddhi has been sounded out and a final decision will be taken next week. Apart from Sourav Ganguly and Pankaj Roy, he is the biggest name from Bengal with 40 Tests,” a senior CAB source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
“His experience of playing top level cricket for so long will only help the Gen-Next of Bengal cricket. Wriddhi already runs a chain of coaching centres and he has been a very hands on coach for juniors. He is passionate about coaching. Hopefully, he will be ready,” the source said.
If appointed, Saha would succeed Pranab Roy, the former India opener and son of the legendary late Pankaj Roy, who coached the Bengal U-23 side last season.
Elsewhere in Bengal’s domestic setup, former India all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla will continue as the head coach of the senior team, while ex-off-spinner Saurashis Lahiri is set to remain in charge of the Under-19 squad.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Ranji Trophy team is also in the midst of a coaching transition. The head coach position has attracted interest from two former India players, Sarandeep Singh and Vijay Dahiya.
Sarandeep, currently holding the role, faces competition from Dahiya, who has previously coached Delhi and also serves as the assistant coach for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. Dahiya has also worked with the Uttar Pradesh Ranji side, making the contest for the job a tightly contested one.
(With PTI inputs)
