Former India selector Devang Gandhi is set to make a comeback to Bengal cricket.
The former Bengal opener and captain, who also played four Tests along with 95 first class and 98 List A matches, is most likely to be named as coach of the Bengal U-19 side, sources in the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) said.
Current CAB selector and former Bengal batsman Subhomoy Das too has been an option for the U-19 team coach. But the state association seems to prefer Devang for the role. “It’s in the final stages. His (Devang’s) appointment will be announced soon,” said one source.
Along with Devang, who has also led East Zone, former MLA Laxmi Ratan Shukla, another former Bengal captain and dashing all-rounder, is also set to return. Shukla, who has played many a match-saving knock for Bengal across all formats and contributed with the ball too, will be given the role of the Bengal U-23 team’s head coach.
It has also been learnt that Shukla, who quit politics this January, could be given “a larger role” keeping the growth of Bengal cricket in mind. “One may see him dealing with matters of the Vision 2025 project as well,” said a CAB official.
“Let’s work together. Looking forward,” said Shukla, who made three ODI appearances for India.
Former Bengal off-spinner Sourashish Lahiri, after his success as U-23 coach, has been promoted as assistant coach of the senior team, while Shib Shankar Paul will be the bowling coach of all Bengal squads. Arun Lal will continue as the senior team’s head coach.
