Sportsistan Team

Wriddhiman Saha, India's veteran wicketkeeper, has revealed that his decision to play one final season of domestic cricket was largely influenced by a strong push from former India captain Sourav Ganguly and his wife. Saha, who had initially planned to retire before the start of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, made the decision to continue playing and finish his career with Bengal, the state team he represents. Saha’s retirement plans had been set in stone earlier this year, but a pivotal conversation with Ganguly during a visit to Eden Gardens in June changed his mind. "I wasn’t going to play this year, but Sourav Ganguly and my wife pushed me to play and finish with Bengal after two seasons with Tripura," Saha said. Ganguly, who has been a key figure in Bengali cricket, convinced Saha to stay on, encouraging him to end his career on a high note with his home state. Despite ongoing physical struggles — including injuries to his fingers, hamstrings, and back — Saha decided to continue for Bengal in the longer format of the game, opting out of the white-ball leg of the season. He made it clear that this season would be his last, focusing exclusively on the Ranji Trophy. "I’ve been pushing myself for the last year, but because of my body condition, I won’t be able to play for the full season," Saha said. "That’s why I chose the most vital format—Ranji Trophy. It will be tough, but I will play, and hopefully, we qualify." If Bengal progresses to the knockout stages of the competition, Saha will play on, but if they fall short, he plans to bring his career to a close at Eden Gardens, where his cricket journey began. Saha’s decision to step away from the IPL after informing his former franchise, Gujarat Titans, that he would not participate again, has opened up opportunities for young wicketkeeper Abishek Porel. Porel, who has impressed across formats, was retained by Delhi Capitals, a testament to the impact Saha's exit had on the development of the next generation of keepers. "I’ve always felt proud to mentor the young guys," Saha said, acknowledging his role as a mentor to rising talents like Porel. "Seeing them succeed is a huge validation." Looking back at his career, Saha expressed contentment with his achievements, despite his tenure being overshadowed by the presence of MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant as India's primary wicketkeepers during different phases of his career. "No, I don’t think I was unlucky," he reflected. "There are so many others who didn’t play for India despite toiling hard. I feel fortunate and proud to have played 40 Tests for India." Saha, who carved a reputation as one of the finest wicketkeepers of his generation, finished his Test career with 1353 runs at an average of 29.41, including three centuries and six half-centuries. His standout moment came in 2016 when he scored half-centuries in both innings to help India defeat New Zealand on home soil. However, he admits that his primary focus was always on wicketkeeping. "When I started, I was a wicketkeeper. I knew I could never be as good as some of the greats, but I wanted to earn a name in what I did from childhood," he said. As he looks to the future, Saha is open to opportunities in coaching and mentoring, particularly with Bengal. "Not yet , but if I get an offer from another state or Bengal, I will think about it," he said, adding that his ultimate goal is to share the wealth of knowledge he has accumulated over the years. He has already begun mentoring young wicketkeepers through academies back home. Saha’s contribution to Indian cricket, especially in the Test format, is unquestioned. Even as his international career wound down following Rahul Dravid's decision to move on from him in 2021, Saha has continued to be a steady presence in domestic cricket. "It wasn’t like I got demoralized. I’ve played for three to four more years since then because I love the game," he said. Click Here:- Shreyas Iyer Marks Stellar Return with Fiery Century as Mumbai Dominate Odisha in Ranji Trophy As the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season unfolds, Saha’s focus will remain firmly on his team’s pursuit of glory. "Hopefully, we can make the final. If not, I’ll finish off at Eden Gardens," he concluded, signaling the end of a remarkable journey in Indian cricket that spans almost two decades. Related