Uncertainty over Bahutule's future as Bengal coach

Bahutule, who has been with the team for three seasons, stayed back in Mumbai even as Bengal started its camp for the Ranji Trophy in Kolkata.

There were speculations that the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) was unhappy with the coach after the team had a forgettable outing at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where it failed to reach the knock-outs.

There is a cloud of uncertainty over the future of Bengal coach Sairaj Bahutule. The former India cricketer, who has been with the team for three seasons, stayed back in Mumbai even as Bengal started its camp for the Ranji Trophy in Kolkata on Monday, under the watchful eyes of batting consultant, VVS Laxman.

There were speculations that the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) was unhappy with the coach after the team had a forgettable outing at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where it failed to reach the knock-outs.

While Bahutule refused to speak on the issue, CAB secretary, Avishek Dalmiya, told Sportstar that the association is contemplating on the road ahead. “We are looking into the matter. We certainly did not have a good performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and we are considering a lot of things,” Dalmiya said.

While he did not clarify whether Bahutule would join the team, Dalmiya insisted that Laxman’s camp was just a special programme for the batsman. “As far as the support staff for the season is concerned, we are still in a stage of discussion,” Dalmiya said.

There is also a high chance that former cricketer, Arun Lal, might join the team as a mentor, but Dalmiya insisted that ‘no final decision’ has been taken, yet.