Wriddhiman Saha announces retirement: Reliving his 5 best moments for India and why he'll be missed
Wriddhiman Saha, one of the key members of Team India's red-ball rise, has decided to call it a day from all formats of cricket. The veteran wicketkeeper will step away from the sport after the ongoing Ranji Trophy campaign for Bengal, ending a decorated 17-year career.
Saha's USP was the fact that he was not the flashiest of cricketers, but he was highly effective. A smooth worker with the gloves, he nailed down different roles depending on the format for the team's cause, with selfless being the most common adjective used.
In Tests, he was often the gritty batter in the lower middle-order, tasked with playing alongside the tail and stretching the team's total. Whereas, in limited overs, he was generally an opener, a specialist who scored over the infield in the powerplay and maximized the fielding restrictions in place.
"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.
On that note, let us take a look at Wriddhiman Saha's 5 best moments for India and why he'll be missed.
#1 Gritty performance on debut
Saha unexpectedly made his Test debut in the home series against South Africa after Rohit Sharma, who was actually in line for his first Test cap, was injured during the warm-up. India fielded two wicketkeepers in MS Dhoni and Saha to cope with the late injury to Rohit.
Saha had a forgettable first outing with the bat after being castled by Dale Steyn for a six-ball duck. However, he made amends during the second innings to score a gritty 36 run-knock by playing out over 100 deliveries as India battled to avoid a series defeat in vain.
#2 Memorable maiden ton
Saha became the undisputed first wicketkeeper of the Test team after MS Dhoni's retirement, and chipped in with crucial contributions in the lower middle-order amid India's rise in the format under Virat Kohli. Despite playing out tough phases, recording fifties and stretching totals, a hundred continued to elude him.
After failing to convert his first couple of fifties, he finally got to the three-figure mark during the third Test against the West Indies in St. Lucia in 2016. Saha's efforts stretched India from 126/5 in the first innings to 353 runs as the visitors eventually won by 237 runs.
#3 Player of the match performance on home ground
Playing at his home ground, the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata for the first time in Indian colors, Wriddhiman Saha made it a memorable occasion with twin unbeaten fifties.
The wicketkeeper-batter scored 54 and 58 in the first and second innings of the second Test against New Zealand in 2016, and was the sole batter who made an impression twice with the bat in the contest. India won the contest by 178 runs and claimed an unassailable lead in the process.
Saha availed the opportunity to represent his country on two more occasions at his home ground. He was part of the team during the drawn first Test against Sri Lanka, and the historic first-ever pink ball Test against Bangladesh.
#4 Iconic twin catches in Border-Gavaskar series
Wriddhiman Saha was arguably a different breed during the iconic 2016-17 Border-Gavaskar series on home soil. While India recorded one of their worst defeats in the series opener in Pune, the wicketkeeper made an impression with a stunning catch to dismiss Steve O'Keefe off Umesh Yadav's bowling. He had to dive full-length to his right to pluck the ball, with minimal time to react.
His tryst with Pune continued as he pulled off another stellar catch again off Umesh Yadav's bowling to dismiss Theunis de Bruyn in the 2019 home series against South Africa.
In the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar series in Bengaluru, Saha pulled off a stunning full-length diving catch to dismiss Matthew Wade which helped India to defend the meagre target and level the series.
#5 Series saving hundred against Australia
After making a statement with the gloves in the first two Tests, Saha stepped up with the bat in the third Test in Ranchi. Australia had posted a mammoth 451 after opting to bat first, and the match was placed evenly with India's score at 328/6.
India needed a surge to think of a lead, and Saha played his role to perfection by recording a hundred, and sharing a massive partnership with Pujara for the seventh wicket. He also batted with the tail to ensure India's first innings score went over the 600-run mark.
The match was drawn in the end, as India secured the series with a win in the fourth Test in Dharamshala.
Saha's sheer dedication to his craft even in his twilight days is admirable. He played Dhoni's deputy to perfection, stepped up to the plate when it was required of him, and eventually made his experience count in the final years.
Even in the IPL, Wriddhiman Saha has played in every potential position from top to bottom and made an impact with his intent and selfless nature of play.