Wriddhiman Saha to retire from all forms of cricket after the ongoing Ranji Trophy season
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha is set to end his decorated cricketing career that spanned over 17 years, following the current Ranji Trophy campaign with Bengal. At one time, the 40-year-old was Team India's first-choice wicketkeeper and was one of the most reliable presences the side had in terms of glovework.
Saha announced his decision to step away from professional cricket through a post on social media, where he mentioned that the ongoing season would be his last. He kickstarted his 2024 campaign for Bengal with a duck against Uttar Pradesh and was recently released by the Gujarat Titans (GT) as well ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auction.
"After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I’m honored to represent Bengal one final time, playing only in the Ranji Trophy before I retire. Let’s make this season one to remember!" Saha posted on X/Twitter.
Saha's last appearance for the Indian senior team came during the home series against New Zealand in 2021 before India started considering younger candidates like KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan.
After his time with the national team came to an end, Saha had a brief stint playing for Tripura, following a rift with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), who accused him of skipping domestic matches.
His 15-year association with his home state was revived earlier this year when Saha returned to play for Bengal.
Wriddhiman Saha played 40 Tests and 9 ODIs for Team India
Saha played a huge role in Indian cricket following MS Dhoni's unprecedented retirement from Test cricket. He made his debut in 2010 but had to be patient before being the first-choice wicketkeeper for the country.
His Test career included 40 appearances, where he scored 1353 runs at an average of 29.41. As far as his glovework was concerned, he claimed 92 catches and executed 12 stumpings. He had a brief ODI career in the early part of the previous decade, but could not make an impression after scoring just 41 runs in nine games at an average of 13.66.
Saha will be in action when Bengal take on Karnataka in the fourth round of Ranji Trophy fixtures. The match is scheduled to begin from November 6 onwards at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.