Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, confirming that he will step away from the game at the end of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The 40-year-old cricketer, who has made a significant mark in Indian cricket with his exceptional skills behind the stumps and vital contributions with the bat, took to social media on Sunday to share this heartfelt news. In his announcement, Saha reflected on his long and fulfilling career, expressing deep gratitude for what he termed a "cherished journey in cricket," and emphasized his desire to make this final season with Bengal truly memorable for himself and his teammates.
While Saha is poised to make his last appearances in the Ranji Trophy, representing Bengal, he will not be participating in the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Not retained by the Gujarat Titans, he has also chosen not to register for the upcoming mega auction, which signals a clear indication of his retirement from franchise cricket. Throughout his illustrious career, Saha has been a stalwart in the IPL, playing every season since the tournament's inception in 2008. His journey in the IPL has seen him don the jerseys of various franchises, including the Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and, most recently, the Gujarat Titans.
Saha's cricketing journey has been marked by notable transitions, challenges, and triumphs. After spending an impressive 15 years representing Bengal in First-Class cricket, he made headlines last season when he temporarily transferred to Tripura. This move followed a dispute with a senior official from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), who questioned his commitment to the Bengal team. Despite an appeal from former CAB chief Avishek Dalmiya urging him to stay, Saha's frustrations and desire for a fresh start led him to seek opportunities elsewhere. However, after meaningful discussions with Sourav Ganguly, the legendary former India captain and ex-BCCI president, Saha decided to return to Bengal for one final season, taking on a mentor role for his younger teammates, which speaks volumes about his dedication to nurturing the next generation of cricketers.
As he embarks on this nostalgic finale, Saha is determined to contribute significantly to Bengal’s success in his farewell tournament. "Let's make this season one to remember," he stated, rallying support from fans and teammates alike as they come together to honor his illustrious career. His commitment to mentoring younger players reflects his deep passion for the game and the legacy he aims to leave behind, fostering a sense of camaraderie and inspiration among his peers.
In terms of his performance, Saha has had a distinguished career in Test cricket, having played 40 matches for India and scoring a total of 1,353 runs, which includes three centuries. His exceptional wicketkeeping skills earned him the role of India's first-choice keeper-batsman following the retirement of MS Dhoni from Test cricket. In terms of centuries scored by an Indian wicketkeeper in Tests, Saha ranks just behind Dhoni and Rishabh Pant, a testament to his proficiency and impact in the team. However, it is noteworthy that Saha's last international appearance came in 2021 during a match against New Zealand. Despite showcasing resilience and determination in several matches, he found himself sidelined as the new management, under head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, opted to introduce KS Bharat as a backup for Pant, a decision that reflected the evolving dynamics of the team.
As Saha prepares to bid farewell to professional cricket, he leaves behind a legacy defined by skill, perseverance, and mentorship, cementing his status as one of India's notable wicketkeeper-batsmen in the modern era. The cricketing community will undoubtedly celebrate his contributions, remembering him not only for his steadfastness behind the stumps and his significant innings that often turned the tide in favor of the Indian team, but also for his sportsmanship and dedication to the sport. His ability to rise to the occasion under pressure and his knack for playing crucial innings will be fondly recalled by fans and fellow players alike.Â
As he steps away from the limelight, Saha’s journey serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring cricketers, showcasing the importance of hard work, resilience, and the spirit of cricket. The support he receives from fans, former teammates, and cricketing legends as he concludes this chapter of his life will surely resonate deeply with him, adding a fitting tribute to a career that has significantly enriched Indian cricket. The cricket fraternity looks forward to witnessing how Saha continues to contribute to the sport, even beyond his playing days, whether through mentorship, commentary, or other endeavors in the cricketing world.
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