Wriddhiman Saha Announces Retirement
India’s veteran wicketkeeper, Wriddhiman Saha, has announced that the ongoing 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season will be his last as a cricketer. After a distinguished 17-year career in both international and domestic cricket, Saha took to social media to share this significant decision, marking the end of an era for one of India’s finest wicketkeepers.
Return to Bengal
Currently preparing for Bengal’s fourth-round fixture against Karnataka in Bengaluru, Saha has made a return to the team after a two-year stint as a player-mentor with Tripura. His decision to come back to Bengal followed a productive meeting with former India captain Sourav Ganguly, indicating his desire to help the team in their quest for the Ranji Trophy.
Focus on First-Class Cricket
In his quest to help Bengal lift the Ranji Trophy, a title that has eluded them since their final appearance in 2019-20, Saha has opted to focus solely on first-class cricket, stepping away from BCCI’s white-ball tournaments. He remains determined to make a significant impact in his final season, hoping to guide Bengal to glory.
Moving Forward
While Saha has faced challenges during his career, including a tumultuous exit from the national team, he is focused on the future. He has expressed a desire to explore opportunities in coaching rather than pursuing roles in cricket administration, indicating his passion for nurturing the next generation of players.
Transitioning from International Cricket
Having established himself as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni’s retirement in 2014, Saha last represented India in December 2021. Despite being a leading performer, he found the competition tough due to the emergence of Rishabh Pant, which ultimately led to his sidelining by the team management.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Since returning to Bengal, Saha has taken on a mentorship role, especially with young wicketkeeper Abishek Porel, who has become an all-format regular for the team. Saha’s guidance has proven invaluable, helping Porel develop his skills and prepare for a promising career ahead.
IPL Career and Future Prospects
Regarding his Indian Premier League (IPL) career, Saha is unlikely to participate in the upcoming auction. Since the IPL’s inception in 2008, he has been a consistent presence, most recently playing for Gujarat Titans, where he celebrated a title win in 2022.
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Legacy in Indian Cricket
Throughout his career, Saha has played for several franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings, where he famously scored a century in the 2014 final. As he prepares to hang up his gloves, Saha leaves behind a legacy as one of India’s most skilled wicketkeepers, admired for his contributions to the sport.
