Sports Minister Manoj Tiwary named in Bengal team's fitness camp

State sports minister Manoj Tiwary, who was last seen in politics during the assembly polls, has been included in a 39-member probables by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). For over several years, the right-hand batter has been a central figure for Bengal, guiding the team’s batting line-up as well as the youngsters in the team.

The 39-year-old last featured in the Ranji Trophy final in 2020 against Saurashtra before he skipped the domestic season due to an untimely injury. But Tiwary still has a lot of cricket left in him and wants to do well for Bengal in the coming few years.

After the announcement of the strong 39-member probable squad, the players will assemble for a fitness camp which will begin on July 23. “I will maintain my fitness. I will wait and see how it goes, but I don’t rule out playing a few more games for Bengal,” Tiwary had said after winning from the Shibpur constituency, to Outlook.

Snehasish Ganguly the CAB secretary meanwhile has said the fitness is paramount and attendance too is mandatory. “Attendance is compulsory. Fitness parameters set by the Association have to be met by all the players. Bengal team probables will be announced after the fitness camp,” CAB secretary Snehasish Ganguly said in a statement.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla makes a comeback as a coach

Apart from Tiwari, Bengal is set to receive a huge boost as their veteran player Laxmi Ratan Shukla will return to the domestic circuit after a six-long year of hiatus. Shukla had joined politics and had been missing from the game since 2015.

He will be seen as coach of the Under-23 team for the season 2021-22. This news comes as a short in the arm for the youngsters, who will get to learn and evolve from a seasoned campaigner like Shukla. Earlier, Bengal had retained legendary batter VVS Laxman as their batting consultant and former India player Arun Lal as their chief coach.

Apart from these two players, the squad will also have the services of Sourasish Lahiri, who has been appointed as an assistant coach to Lal. On the other hand, Shib Shankar Paul is the team’s designated bowling coach for all Bengal squads.