Ganguly wants Bedi to train Bengal spinners

Despite having shared quite a stormy relationship over the years, Ganguly surprised all by urging the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to hire Bedi's services to groom Bengal spinners.

Bishen Singh Bediu00a0
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Being the technical committee chairman of the CAB, Ganguly felt the need of good coach to groom spinners of the state. In a written suggestion to the state association, Ganguly had stated that his personal relationship with the left-arm spinner has nothing to do with this assignment, and Bedi is currently the best man for the job. CAB on their part, also didn't think twice before approving Ganguly's recommendation.

It may be recalled that Bedi had taken potshots at Ganguly in these columns of MiD DAY on May 10, following the southpaw's failure in the fifth season of the Indian Premier League. "Ganguly is blocking a youngster's place," Bedi had said.

Sourav Ganguly

"Following Sourav's suggestion, we offered Bedi and he agreed to take up the responsibility. He will be in Kolkata tomorrow (Saturday) and we will finalise the matter after a face-to-face chat with the legendary spinner," CAB joint secretary Biswarup Dey told MiD DAY yesterday.

It is learnt that Ganguly had expressed his concern about the dearth of quality spinners in Bengal and felt Bedi could do the job of spotting talented ones from the age-group level and groom them further.

Bedi, who will be CAB's chief guest for the annual awards function today, is expected to be formally offered the post of ‘Director - spin' today. "We have invited him for the awards ceremony on July 22, but he will come a day earlier to discuss his role with the CAB," Dey said.

Ganguly had also suggested another former India captain Gundappa Viswanath's name as batsmen's coach, but there has been no development on this front as yet. "We haven't spoken to him in details about this, but we will do so only after our annual general meeting on July 28," Dey added.
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