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Wriddhiman Saha Announces Retirement: A Cricketing Journey Ends
In a heartfelt announcement on November 3, 2024, Wriddhiman Saha, one of the most celebrated wicket-keepers in Indian cricket, declared that he would retire from all forms of cricket at the conclusion of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season.
This decision marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned across 17 years, filled with remarkable performances both in domestic cricket and on International stage.
A Career Marked by Resilience and Talent
40 yrs old Saha, made his debut for Bengal in 2007, quickly establishing himself as reliable wicket-keeper and a batsman who could anchor the innings.
His journey to international cricket was marked by perseverance, especially after being in the shadow of cricketing giants like MS Dhoni and later Rishabh Pant.
Despite the competition, Saha played 40 Test matches for India, showcasing his skills with the bat and behind the stumps.
His Test career highlights include three centuries, with a notable 107 against West Indies in 2016, and six fifties, amassing 1353 runs.
A Move to Tripura and Return to Bengal
An intriguing chapter in Saha’s career was his move from Bengal to Tripura in 2022, following a fallout with certain Cricket Association of Bengal officials.
This move was not just a change of state but also a reflection of his commitment to cricket, where he took on the role of a player-mentor, significantly contributing to Tripura’s performance in domestic cricket.
However his return to Bengal for the 2024 season, especially knowing it would be his last, symbolized a full-circle moment in his career, playing for the state where it all began.
The IPL and Beyond
Saha’s association with Indian Premier League (IPL) was equally illustrious. Playing for various franchises including Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans.
He was a part of 170 IPL matches, showcasing his adaptability across formats, his perf0rmance in the IPL 2014 final, where he scored a remarkable 115 for Kings XI Punjab, remains one of the tournament’s most memorable knocks, although on the losing side.
Retirement Announcement
The announcement of his retirement was met with an outpouring of respect and admiration from fans, former teammates and cricket analyst alike. Saha expressed his gratitude and his desire to make the ongoing Ranji season memorable,
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!”
Wriddhiman Saha
Tweet
His post read, capturing the essence of his emotional farewell.
Legacy and Future
As Saha prepares to hang up his gloves, his legacy in Indian cricket is secured not just through his statistics but through his spirit of the game.
His resilience, technical prowess as wicket-keeper, and his role in nurturing cricket in less-known regions like Tripura will be remembered. While Saha has decided against participating in the next IPL season, his decision opens up a new chapter, possibly in coaching or cricket administration, where his experience could be invalubale.
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