Wriddhiman Saha, an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has agreed to serve as player-coach of the Tripura team for the 2022–23 domestic campaign, concluding a nearly 15-year first-class career with Bengal.
The 37-year-old Saha, who formally signed the contract on Friday in the state capital, will probably serve as the team's captain. For more than a month, the veteran and Tripura were in contact. However, after he received a no-objection certificate from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) in the latter part of last month, everything became official.
Notably, Saha had requested his NOC prior to the 2021–22 Ranji Trophy quarterfinals after being offended by remarks made by a senior administration.
The Tripura Cricket Association was eager to sign Saha's because it is highly likely that he will be available for the entire domestic season, according to a report in ESPNcricinfo. In preparation for the forthcoming season, which is anticipated to begin in September, he is scheduled to participate in a number of camps.
He is unlikely to play a significant role in India's strategy moving ahead after learning the team management's position earlier this year. The New Zealand match in November 2021 marked his final Test appearance.
Saha has participated in 122 first-class games and has amassed 6423 runs at a 41.98 average. He's struck 13 centuries thus far, along with 38 half-centuries. The 1354 Test runs across 40 games at an average of 29.41 are included in this.
Saha has indicated his desire to continue playing all forms of cricket despite not being in India's plans. He is presently playing in the IPL for the Gujarat Titans, the 2022 winners, for whom he scored 317 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 132.32.
By winning their group in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy last year, Tripura nearly missed qualifying for the semifinals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. In three Ranji Trophy games, they earned just one point.