Wriddhiman Saha Announces Retirement from Cricket, Capping Off a Stellar Career
New Delhi: Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has officially announced his retirement from cricket, confirming that the ongoing Ranji Trophy season will be his last. At 40 years old, Saha has enjoyed a distinguished career, featuring in 40 Test matches and nine One Day Internationals (ODIs) since making his international debut in 2010.
In a heartfelt social media post, Saha expressed his gratitude for his cricketing journey, stating, “After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I am honoured to represent Bengal one final time, playing only in the Ranji Trophy before I retire. Let’s make this season one to remember.”
Saha has been a key player in India’s red-ball setup for many years. However, he was informed by former head coach Rahul Dravid that the selectors were considering other options, leading to his release from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) central contracts list last year.
One of the highlights of Saha’s international career came during India’s tour of New Zealand in 2016, where he played a crucial role in challenging conditions. He scored unbeaten fifties on a seaming track against a formidable bowling attack that included Trent Boult and Neil Wagner, earning him the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance at Eden Gardens.
Throughout his Test career, Saha amassed 1,353 runs, including three centuries, and was known for his versatility as a middle-order batsman. His domestic cricket record is equally impressive; he made his First Class debut for Bengal in 2007 and has since accumulated 7,013 runs in 138 matches.
In addition to his domestic success, Saha has played 170 matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing various franchises, including the Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans. His standout moment in the IPL came in the 2014 final when he scored his only hundred for Punjab Kings against Kolkata Knight Riders.
After a brief stint as a player-cum-mentor for Tripura due to administrative disagreements, Saha returned to Bengal this season following discussions with former India captain Sourav Ganguly. As he embarks on his final season, Saha leaves behind a legacy as one of India’s most reliable wicketkeepers and a respected figure in domestic cricket.
