Shaun Tait, currently serving as Bangladesh’s pace bowling coach, is reportedly considering leaving his position less than a year after his appointment. According to Indian media reports, the former Australian fast bowler is interested in taking up a coaching role with a state team in India, potentially ending his tenure with the Bangladesh national side earlier than planned.
A report by The India indicates that Tait has already attended an interview with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). The interview panel comprised Arun Lal, Devang Gandhi and Kalyan Choudhury, all of whom are associated with Bengal cricket administration and former playing or coaching roles. The panel is understood to have recommended Tait for a coaching position and also suggested the inclusion of former India selector Surendra Bhave in the broader coaching structure.
Despite this recommendation, CAB has not yet reached a final decision. The association has shown hesitation regarding Tait’s appointment, primarily due to financial considerations and a preference for maintaining continuity within the existing coaching setup. The current head coach of Bengal, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, had reached the end of his tenure. However, under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly, CAB opted to reappoint Shukla as head coach, with the decision formally confirmed on Wednesday.
Under Shukla’s guidance, Bengal’s performance in domestic cricket has been relatively consistent. In the 2022–23 Ranji Trophy season, his first year in charge, Bengal finished as runners-up. In the subsequent season, the team progressed to the semi-finals. However, they were unable to convert these performances into a championship title.
In contrast, Tait’s contribution to Bangladesh cricket has been notable, particularly in developing emerging fast bowlers. His work with young pacer Nahid Rana has been highlighted as a significant success. Rana recently played an important role in Bangladesh’s home Test series victory against Pakistan, underlining the impact of Tait’s coaching.
Tait is currently under contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board until the World Cup scheduled for September next year. However, reports suggest he is considering stepping down approximately 18 months before the end of this contract. An internal source cited in the report stated that Tait is “not in agreement” with one or two members of the coaching staff, which may have influenced his decision to explore opportunities elsewhere.
A CAB source has indicated that the possibility of appointing Tait as the state’s pace bowling coach has not been ruled out. The role would involve overseeing fast bowling development across all age-group teams within the Bengal system.
However, the financial implications remain a key concern. According to the same source, recruiting a coach of Tait’s profile could cost the association approximately ₹2 crore or more, contributing to the delay in finalising any agreement.
The following table summarises the key details surrounding the situation:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Bangladesh Pace Bowling Coach |
| Contract Duration | Until September next year (World Cup) |
| Potential New Role | Bengal State Pace Bowling Coach |
| Interview Panel Members | Arun Lal, Devang Gandhi, Kalyan Choudhury |
| Additional Recommendation | Inclusion of Surendra Bhave |
| Estimated Cost | ₹2 crore or more |
| Reason for Exit Consideration | Disagreement with coaching staff |
| CAB Status | Decision pending, Shukla reappointed |
Discussions between Tait and CAB are understood to be ongoing, with no formal confirmation yet regarding any appointment.