Retired India National Cricket Team all-rounder and recently appointed as a Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla has stated that he is an ardent supporter of BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, skipper as the “most sorted out human.“
Laxmi Ratan Shukla appeared in three One Day Internationals for India. He had a poor international performance, scoring only 18 runs and taking one wicket. He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in March 1999 and played his final ODI against the West Indies in September of the same year. He declared his retirement from all forms of cricket on December 30, 2015.
Laxmi Ratan Shukla, who was appointed as the Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) new head coach on Tuesday, previously worked as West Bengal’s Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports from 2016 to 2021.
Shukla was asked during an interview with Sportskeeda if he has a favorite coach.
“I don’t believe in role-models, but I’m an ardent follower of Dadi (Sourav Ganguly). He is the most sorted out person I’ve seen. When I played under Dada’s captaincy, we never had long team meetings. All his instructions were simple and straightforward. I’m trying to imbibe that philosophy in my coaching,”
Shukla, who played for Bengal under Ganguly, also disclosed that he has frequent conversations with the BCCI president and Dada wanted him to take command of the Bengal team.
“I talk to Dadi quite often. He wanted me to take charge of the team. I hope I can continue in the same way I used to play.”
Laxmi Ratan Shukla enjoys taking on new challenges.
“I like taking on new challenges. All the past coaches for Bengal did a superb job for the team. We have come close to winning trophies in the past but we’ll have to climb all the way again to reach the top in the new season.
“My motto is that everyone can and everything is possible. I want everyone to believe in themselves. We will have to develop the art of holding onto our nerves when the situation is tough.
“All players who have reached this level are all capable. It’s a new year, new season and we are hoping for the best.”
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