Shaun Tait Seeks India State Coaching Role

Shaun Tait, the current pace bowling coach of the Bangladesh national cricket team, is looking to vacate his position less than a year into his tenure. According to reports in the Indian media, the former Australian fast bowler is seeking to depart from his international role to take up a coaching assignment with an Indian domestic state team.

Interview with the Cricket Association of Bengal

The India has reported that Tait has already formally interviewed for a position with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). The interview panel comprised former cricketers Arun Lal, Devang Gandhi, and Kalyan Chowdhury.

The panel initially recommended Tait for a coaching role, alongside former Indian selector Surendra Bhave. However, the CAB administration subsequently hesitated regarding the final formalisation of Tait’s appointment due to structural and financial considerations.

The tenure of Bengal’s current head coach, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, had concluded. However, the CAB administration, led by former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, prioritised continuity within the management structure. Consequently, the association officially reappointed Shukla as the head coach of the state team.

Bengal’s Domestic Performance Under Shukla

Under the guidance of Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Bengal’s performance in the prestigious Ranji Trophy has remained highly competitive, although the team struggled to convert critical opportunities in high-stakes knockout matches.

Term and Rationale for Desired Exit

Tait’s current contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) runs until the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled for September of next year. Despite having approximately 18 months remaining on his contract, the Australian coach is eager to step down prematurely.

During his relatively brief stint in Bangladesh, Tait has earned significant acclaim for developing the country’s fast-bowling resources. His most notable achievement has been the grooming of young speedster Nahid Rana, who recently played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s historic home Test series victory against Pakistan.

According to an internal source within Bangladesh cricket cited by The Telegraph, Tait’s decision to leave stems from professional friction, as he reportedly “does not agree” with one or two members of the current national coaching staff. This internal disagreement has prompted him to maintain active negotiations with the CAB.

Financial Hurdles and Future Possibilities

Despite reappointing Shukla as head coach, a source within the CAB clarified that the possibility of hiring Tait has not been entirely ruled out. The association is considering appointing him as the state’s overarching pace bowling coach, a role that would require him to oversee fast-bowling development across all age-group teams.

The primary obstacle remains financial. A CAB official stated that securing a high-profile international coach like Tait would require an expenditure of ₹2 crore (20 million Indian Rupees) or more. This substantial financial commitment is the principal reason behind the CAB’s current hesitation, and discussions between both parties remain ongoing.