"Sourav Ganguly and my wife pushed me to play and finish with Bengal" - Wriddhiman Saha on featuring in Ranji Trophy 2024/25

Veteran Indian and Bengal keeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has revealed that his wife Romi Saha and Sourav Ganguly pushed him to finish his career with the state. The right-handed batter also disclosed that he was going to call it quits without even playing this year.

Saha, who made his debut for Bengal in April 2007, has been a loyal servant to their cricket team ever since. Although the 40-year-old has not been a regular fixture for them in the white-ball format, he has ensured his presence in red-ball cricket. The seasoned red-ball cricketer has scored a staggering 7013 runs first-class runs in 138 matches.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (November 6), the veteran said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:

"You can say it was because of emotional attachment. I wasn't going to play this year but Sourav Ganguly and my wife pushed me to play and finish with Bengal after two seasons with Tripura. I was already prepared that I won't play this year. But when my wife and Sourav Ganguly pushed me, I couldn't refuse."

The right-handed batter has also plied his trade for India in 40 Tests and nine ODIs. As a red-ball specialist, Saha played his final Test in 2021 against New Zealand after debuting in 2007.

"Last year, I'd stopped liking the game and planned to leave" - Wriddhiman Saha

The veteran cricketer acknowledged that he wasn't demotivated one bit when the selectors decided to move on from him in Tests in 2021. This is because domestic cricket and IPL were still on the horizon. He said:

"That door got closed, but I knew domestic, and IPL was still there. It wasn't like I got demoralised because of that. I've played now for three-four years since that. Why did I start playing? Because I like it. Last year, I'd stopped liking the game and planned to leave. After this season, I'm moving on. Hopefully we can make the final. If not, I'll finish off at Eden Gardens."

Bengal are currently in Elite Group C of Ranji Trophy and both their matches have resulted in a draw.