Wriddhiman Saha, one of India's finest wicketkeepers, officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after playing his final group-stage match of the Ranji Trophy on Saturday, February 1. The 28-year journey, which began in 1997, culminated in an emotional farewell, with Saha reflecting on his illustrious career that saw him represent India, Bengal, Tripura, and numerous clubs, schools, and universities. Saha shared his gratitude for the sport, the people who supported him, and the invaluable experiences it provided.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Saha expressed that representing his country and various teams had been the greatest honor of his life. He acknowledged the impact cricket had on shaping him as a person, teaching him resilience, and providing unforgettable moments. Saha also acknowledged the challenges he faced, particularly competing for the wicketkeeper’s spot with MS Dhoni during the prime of his career, and later, with the rise of Rishabh Pant. However, Saha’s legacy remains undiminished, especially for his contributions as a keeper in Test cricket.
Notably, Saha's biggest moment came in the 2014 IPL final, where he scored a memorable century for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite his heroics, the team fell short of victory, but the match remains one of his defining performances. More recently, he concluded his IPL career with Gujarat Titans, where he scored 371 runs in the 2023 season under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill.
Saha thanked his family for their unwavering support, particularly his wife Romi, children Anvi and Anvay, and his parents, including his elder brother Anirban. He expressed deep appreciation for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), and the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) for their trust and encouragement. Saha also extended gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and the staff from all the teams he represented, including his childhood coach, Jayanta Bhowmick, who had faith in him from the very beginning.
Acknowledging the role of various other individuals in his journey, Saha thanked ground staff, net bowlers, and even critics for helping him improve. He expressed special thanks to the domestic staff whose behind-the-scenes efforts were invaluable in his cricketing journey.
As Saha walks away from the field, he carries with him memories that will last a lifetime. With immense gratitude and respect for the game, Saha’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket, one that inspired many and shaped the career of a player who was always known for his consistency and commitment behind the stumps.
