CAB ride over? Raman may head home

The Cricket Association of Bengal CAB is likely to release the current Bengal Ranji team coach W V Raman following a request from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association

The Cricket Association of Bengal CAB is likely to release the current Bengal Ranji team coach W V Raman following a request from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association TNCA. Former Bengal player and Saurashtra coach Debu Mitra is being seen as Ramans replacement.

Following Tamil Nadus modest domestic season last year,under coach VB Chandrasekhar,TNCA is keen on Ramans appointment. We have received a request from the TNCA and will discuss the matter during our working committee meeting on July 9, CAB joint-secretary Subir Ganguly told The Indian Express.

Asked about the possible replacement,he said: My personal choice is Debu Mitra. Why should we go shopping outstation or abroad when we have such an astute coach from our own state? Mitra has done wonders with Saurashtra,but this is my personal opinion. The final decision remains with the president.

Mitra has been coaching Saurashtra for nine years and has overseen the development of the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja. He guided the team to Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph in 2009-10 and helped the side reach the Ranji Trophy final last season. The 65-year-old,who has a rolling contract with the Saurashtra Cricket Association SCA,is not averse to return to his roots.

Its always nice to return home. But I must say I have been given excellent support and a complete freehand by the Saurashtra cricket officials. I am very happy there. Also,I havent received any offer from the CAB yet. But if they want me,I will give it a serious thought, Mitra,who is holidaying in the UK,informed.

He had earlier coached Bengal from 1985-87 and then from 1995-97 before leaving the state and start making a mark in coaching after Niranjan Shah took him to Saurashtra. And given that the SCA officials desperately want him to stay,it wont be easy for him to snap the ties.

His Mitra contribution to Saurashtra cricket is enormous. He has instilled a belief in the players. It wont be easy for us to let him go. However,we havent heard anything from the CAB yet and dont want to give it a thought till theres a formal request, SCA joint-secretary Madhukar Vora said.

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Meanwhile,Raman appeared to be completely indifferent to the whole affair. Dont want to talk about something which is based on conjecture. Will let you know when theres any development he said.