Wriddhiman Saha, one of India's finest wicketkeepers, is set to enter the national coaching circuit only six months after announcing his retirement from cricket. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has reportedly been in talks with the 40-year-old to sign him as the head coach of the Bengal U-23 team. Saha, who played 40 Tests and 9 ODIs for India, announced his retirement from first-class cricket in January this year at the end of Bengal’s league stage campaign in the Ranji Trophy. The CAB now wants to utilise his expertise for the U-23 team.

The senior Bengal team continues to be coached by former all-rounder and Bengal captain Laxmi Ratan Shukla, while former off-spinner Saurashis Lahiri will coach the U-19 team.

“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 added.

Saha's inclusion as a coach right after his retirement will set a new precedent in Bengal cricket, with the state not known for transitioning a player from the senior team directly into a coaching role. The Bengal U-23 team was managed last season by former India opener Pranab Roy, son of the legendary late Pankaj Roy.

Saha, being an erudite reader of the game, is believed to have the potential to become a successful coach. While managing the Bengal U-23 team will be a stepping stone in his coaching journey, his aim will be to secure a more prominent position in the Indian cricket ecosystem. Given his credentials as a wicketkeeper, the BCCI should focus on utilising his expertise in grooming future India wicketkeepers.