Wriddhiman Saha announces retirement from cricket, Ranji Trophy with Bengal to be last tournament

One of the finest wicketkeepers in the world, Wriddhiman Saha, has announced his retirement from cricket. The 40-year-old has decided it’s time to call it quits on his career after 17 years. The agile gloveman made his debut in 2007 playing for Bengal and has decided his last match will be for his state as well. After the ongoing season of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 ends, Saha would leave cricket and start his second innings.

“After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I’m honored to represent Bengal one final time, playing only in the Ranji Trophy before I retire. Let’s make this season one to remember!” Saha wrote on his social media.

Saha’s form

Saha hasn’t been playing regular cricket, and following his stint with the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024, he played his first match after 7 months against Uttar Pradesh last month. The rust was visible as Saha went out for a 6-ball duck. Since then, he’s faced zero balls and claimed three catches in matches that were drawn or washed out.

Return to Bengal

Saha left Bengal for Tripura in 2022 following an issue with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) joint secretary Debabrata Das. It was only this year he returned after Debabrata left after his 2-year stint (2022–23). Bengal has given him all, and he’s done nothing short for his state either, so Saha felt it’s only apt he plays his final game for them.

Under Dhoni & then Pant’s shadow

Saha, like many wicketkeepers, was unlucky to make the Indian team due to MS Dhoni being present. From 2004 to 2019, no one really got a chance to represent India in limited overs because of Dhoni. But, in Test cricket, things were a little different. Saha got his first chance in 2010 but played just one more Test until Dhoni retired at the end of 2014. Then it was his time to shine. Unfortunately, it didn’t last that long.

In 2018, Rishabh Pant made his debut and quickly became the mainstay ahead of Saha due to his superior batting skills. No one doubted Saha was the better wicketkeeper, but such were the demands of modern cricket that Pant was picked over. Saha played just 8 matches after Pant’s debut, only one of which was outside India.