Veteran Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha has announced that the ongoing 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season will mark the conclusion of his illustrious 17-year cricketing career. The 39-year-old made the announcement through a heartfelt post on social media, confirming that this season will be his last in both international and domestic cricket.
Currently preparing for Bengal’s fourth-round match against Karnataka in Bengaluru, Saha has returned to his home state after a two-year stint as a player-mentor with Tripura. His return to Bengal followed a meeting with former India captain Sourav Ganguly, reigniting his passion for the game.
Saha has expressed a singular focus on the first-class format, aiming to lead Bengal to a Ranji Trophy victory—something that has eluded him since their loss to Saurashtra in the 2019-20 final. He has been open about his desire to move past the controversies of his career and is keen to explore coaching opportunities post-retirement rather than administrative roles.
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Having played 40 Tests for India, Saha became the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni’s Test retirement in 2014. However, his international appearances dwindled following the rise of Rishabh Pant. Saha last donned the Indian jersey in December 2021, after which the team management indicated a shift in focus away from him.
Despite the challenges, Saha has taken pride in mentoring young talent like Abishek Porel, who has emerged as a promising wicketkeeper for Bengal. Porel’s recent retention by the Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL mega auction reflects Saha’s positive influence on the next generation.
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Regarding his IPL career, Saha has been a constant presence since the league’s inception in 2008. He last played for the Gujarat Titans, contributing to their title win in 2022. However, it is anticipated that he may not participate in this season’s auction.
As Saha prepares to bid farewell to the sport, fans and teammates alike are expected to celebrate his contributions to Indian cricket, both as a player and mentor.
