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Key Points

Wriddhiman Saha has taken charge as the head coach of Bengal’s U-23 men’s cricket team. He shared his excitement about mentoring young talents at Eden Gardens. Saha stressed teamwork and skill development over lengthy meetings. With IPL and Test experience, he aims to bring a winning mindset to the squad.

Key Points: Wriddhiman Saha Begins Coaching Role as Bengal U-23 Head Coach

  • Saha emphasizes teamwork over individual goals in coaching approach
  • Bengal U-23 coaching staff includes Utpal Chatterjee and Debabrata Das
  • Saha aims to guide young talents with structured training and positivity
  • The ex-India keeper brings IPL and Test experience to his new role
3 min read

Ex-India keeper Wriddhiman Saha takes charge as Bengal U-23 men's head coach

Former India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha starts his new journey as Bengal U-23 head coach, aiming to nurture young talent at Eden Gardens.

"Coaching is not just about giving instructions. It’s about building belief, sharpening skills, and creating a team that plays for each other. – Wriddhiman Saha"

Kolkata, Aug 4

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has taken charge as the head coach of the Bengal under-23 men’s team, who had their first training session of three hours at the Eden Gardens on Monday.

“Stepping into a new chapter...Proud to begin my journey as the Head Coach of the Bengal U-23. Coaching is not just about giving instructions. It’s about building belief, sharpening skills, and creating a team that plays for each other,” wrote Saha on his Instagram post on Monday.

“It felt special to be back at Eden Gardens in a new role, working closely with a talented bunch of boys who have the hunger and the game. Looking forward to guiding, learning, and growing together. One match, one session at a time. Let’s make this season count," he wrote.

Joining Saha in the U23 coaching team are Utpal Chatterjee and Debabrata Das, who were present at the side’s training sessions alongside strength & conditioning coach Sabir Ali, video analyst Mukesh Sinha, physiotherapist Dipti Ranjan Parida, and masseur Mrinal Kanti Paul.

“I am not a believer in long meetings. It will be short and discussion to the point. We as a team must focus on our skills and help fellow team members. There shouldn’t be any individual goal. We just need to believe in ourselves and execute what we have done in the training session onto the match,” he added.

“There are heaps of talent in our boys. We need to select the best squad from the probables who will play for us in the season. The selection will be tough as we have so much talent. These boys have the skills when it comes to batting and bowling, and they know what needs to be done. We as coaching staff just need to give them proper guidance, channel them in a proper manner, keep a positive environment to get the desired results,” said Saha to players during the training session.

Saha played 40 Tests for India between 2010 and 2021, apart from featuring in nine T20Is. He also played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

While he had a runners-up finish with PBKS in 2014, where he hit a century in the final, Saha managed to be a tournament winner when GT won the IPL 2022 trophy. Saha had also been the mentor for Siliguri Strikers in season 2 of the Bengal Pro T20 League held earlier this year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting choice. While Saha was a brilliant keeper, I wonder if he has enough coaching experience. Hope CAB has provided proper training for him before this appointment. The U23 boys deserve the best guidance.
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Ananya R
As a Bengali, I'm so proud! Saha da has always been our pride. His dedication to the game is unmatched. These young players will learn not just cricket skills but also professionalism from him. Eager to see Bengal U23 perform under his guidance!
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Vikram M
His approach of short meetings and focus on execution sounds practical. Too many coaches waste time in theory sessions. Saha knows what matters on the field. Hope he can produce some future Indian team players from Bengal!
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Kavya N
The coaching staff looks solid with Chatterjee and Das alongside Saha. But I hope they focus more on fielding standards - that's where Bengal teams often lag behind. Saha's keeping expertise should help improve this aspect.
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David E
Good to see former players giving back to the game. Saha's IPL experience will be particularly valuable for these youngsters. The mental toughness he showed throughout his career is exactly what young cricketers need to learn.

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