Wriddhiman Saha, known for his impressive skills with the gloves and his composed demeanor with the bat, has made a significant impact in his 40 Test matches for India, proving to be much more than just a collection of statistics.
However, after being absent from the national selection for over three years, the 40-year-old has announced his retirement from cricket, coinciding with the conclusion of Bengal’s current Ranji Trophy campaign. This announcement was shared on his social media account late last night.
“After a fulfilling journey in cricket, this season will mark my final chapter. I am privileged to represent Bengal one last time, participating solely in the Ranji Trophy before I step away from the game,” Saha stated.
“Let us strive to make this season memorable,” he added in a post published late on Sunday night, reflecting the straightforward nature of the modest player.
While he may not have possessed the charisma of Mahendra Singh Dhoni or the audacity of Rishabh Pant, Saha, with his reliable hands, served as more than just a transitional figure between these two giants of Indian cricket.
With 104 dismissals as a wicketkeeper, including 92 catches in Tests, and notable contributions of three centuries and six fifties, Saha’s achievements are often overlooked, including his eight sixes in a losing effort during the 2014 IPL final with Kings XI Punjab.
For the majority of his 17 year career since debuting in the Ranji Trophy in 2007, Saha preferred to remain out of the limelight.
He exhibited remarkable patience, enduring nearly two years between his debut and his second Test, and almost three years between his second and third Tests.
Throughout his career, he was consistently the reliable backup to Dhoni, fully aware that he would have to wait until the legendary player retired from international cricket.
