The CAB had invited applications for a broader set of coaching roles on April 24, sparking speculation that Shukla\u2019s tenure might end after Bengal were beaten in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals by eventual champions Jammu and Kashmir in Kalyani.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But the CAB confirmed his continuation on Thursday after an independent screening process was over, comprising a panel of Arun Lal, Devang Gandhi, and Kalyan Choudhury. \u201cThe evaluation was conducted strictly independently through comprehensive interviews, ensuring a fair, merit\u2011based and unbiased selection process,\u201d it said in a statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shukla, who has been in charge of the Bengal senior men\u2019s team since 2022, guided Bengal to playing the Ranji Trophy final in 2022\/23 and two semifinals. Bhave, who made 7,971 runs from 97 first-class matches at an average of 58.18, brings vast coaching experience and was also a member of the selection committee who picked the 2011 Men\u2019s ODI World Cup winning team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bhave, who will additionally serve as the team\u2019s batting consultant, has previously coached Maharashtra, Punjab, and Odisha in domestic cricket. For the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy, Bengal is placed alongside Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Services, Gujarat, Kerala, Delhi, and Odisha.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, Bengal are in Group A alongside reigning champions Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Baroda, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Karnataka, and Mizoram. For the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Bengal are in Group D with Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tripura, Odisha, Assam, and Pondicherry.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bhave, who will additionally serve as the team\u2019s batting consultant, has previously coached Maharashtra, Punjab, and Odisha in domestic cricket. For the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy, Bengal is placed alongside Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Services, Gujarat, Kerala, Delhi, and Odisha.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Anustup Majumdar, who played 103 first-class matches and scored 5,962 runs at an average of 41.40 for Bengal, has retired after a 22\u2011year career to take charge as the men\u2019s under-16 head coach and will be assisted by Gautam Shome (Jr).<\/p>\r\n\r\n