Wriddhiman Saha to retire from all forms of cricket after ongoing Ranji Trophy
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the end of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season.
The 40-year-old, renowned for his prowess behind the stumps and crucial knocks for India, took to social media on Sunday to share the news. Saha expressed his gratitude for a “cherished journey in cricket” and his commitment to making this final season for Bengal memorable.
Saha has had a distinguished career in Test cricket, playing 40 matches for India and scoring 1,353 runs, including three centuries. Known for his exceptional skills as a wicketkeeper, Saha became India’s first-choice keeper-batsman following MS Dhoni’s retirement from the game’s longest format.
He ranks just behind Dhoni and Rishabh Pant in terms of centuries scored by an Indian wicketkeeper in Tests. However, his last appearance in international cricket was in 2021 against New Zealand. Despite some resilient performances, Saha was sidelined when the new management under head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma decided to bring in KS Bharat as a backup to Pant.
Reflecting on his journey, Saha shared on X (formerly Twitter): “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. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible ride; your support has meant the world.”
While Saha is set to play in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal, he won’t be seen in next year’s IPL. Not retained by Gujarat Titans, Saha also hasn’t registered for the mega auction, a clear indication of his retirement from franchise cricket. A veteran of the Indian Premier League, Saha has played every season since its inception in 2008, representing Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and most recently, Gujarat Titans.
After spending 15 years representing Bengal in First-Class cricket, Saha made headlines last season when he transferred to Tripura. A dispute with a senior Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official, who questioned his commitment to the team, pushed Saha to leave Bengal temporarily, despite an appeal from former CAB chief Avishek Dalmiya. However, after a conversation with Sourav Ganguly, the former India captain and ex-BCCI president, Saha decided to return to Bengal for one final season, taking on the role of a mentor for his younger teammates.
This season marks a nostalgic finale for Saha as he once again dons Bengal’s colors, determined to contribute to the team’s success in his swan song. “Let’s make this season one to rememberâ€æ” he wrote, as fans and teammates rallied around him to support him through his farewell tournament.