Wriddhiman Saha, the distinguished wicketkeeper from India, is nearing the end of a significant 17-year professional journey as he prepares to retire at the conclusion of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. The seasoned player, with experience in 40 Test matches, conveyed this important decision through a message on his social media platform. Currently, Saha is gearing up for Bengal's fourth-round match against Karnataka in Bengaluru. This match marks his return to the Bengal team after serving as a player-mentor for Tripura over the past two years. His return followed a constructive discussion with Sourav Ganguly, a renowned figure in Indian cricket and former captain of the national team.
As he reflects on his cricketing achievements, Saha emphasized his desire to represent Bengal one final time. His focus during this swan song season is exclusively on the Ranji Trophy, as he seeks to end his professional career on a high note. Saha indicated his ambition to make this season memorable for both himself and his team.
During his tenure with the Indian team, Saha established himself as a formidable wicketkeeper, especially following MS Dhoni's retirement from Test cricket in 2014. His last appearance in international cricket came in December 2021, amid a shift in the team's dynamics led by then-coach Rahul Dravid. While he acknowledged the emerging dominance of Rishabh Pant as India's primary wicketkeeper, Saha continued to contribute when called upon in a secondary role.
Saha's experience in domestic cricket has been invaluable, particularly as he has sought to nurture younger players since his return to Bengal's setup. Among those he has mentored is Abishek Porel, a promising wicketkeeper-batsman who has quickly risen to become a regular in Bengal's lineup across all formats. Porel's growing prominence was underscored by his retention in the Delhi Capitals squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.
Saha's IPL career has been extensive; he has participated in all editions of the tournament since its inaugural season in 2008. His last team was the Gujarat Titans, with whom he celebrated a championship victory in 2022. However, it seems feasible that Saha may not enter this year’s auction. Over the course of his career, he played for several franchises including the Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. One of his standout moments in the IPL came during the 2014 final when he scored a memorable century, helping Punjab reach the final, although they finished as runners-up.
Upon concluding his playing days, Saha has expressed an interest in transitioning to coaching roles, demonstrating a clear shift in focus towards contributing to the game from a mentorship perspective. While he has chosen not to comment extensively on the circumstances of his departure from the national side, he looks forward to what lies ahead, mentioning his intention to focus solely on the present.
As Saha embarks on his final season with Bengal, the focus remains on the prestigious Ranji Trophy and the collective aspiration to secure a title that has thus far remained elusive for the team since the 2019-20 season. During that season, Bengal reached the final but fell short against Saurashtra. This year, Saha hopes to join forces with his teammates to capture the championship before he steps away from the playing field.
Saha’s extensive experience and insights will undoubtedly resonate with younger players throughout this season, offering them a wealth of knowledge as they participate in a highly competitive tournament. His leadership on and off the field could serve as a valuable asset for Bengal's younger squad members as they strive for excellence in domestic cricket.
As the season progresses, the cricketing community will keenly watch Saha's performances and his contributions to the team. His influence extends beyond statistics and records; it encompasses mentorship and the legacy of a player who has not only excelled on the field but has also inspired countless budding cricketers in India. Saha's commitment to the game and his determination to end his career on a positive note reflect the spirit that has defined his cricketing journey.
Ultimately, as the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season unfolds, Wriddhiman Saha’s final chapter promises to be one of excitement and potential achievement, both for himself and for Bengal cricket.