As 39-year-old Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha prepares to mend the relationship with Cricket Association of Bengal, the governing body of cricket in his home state. Saha had a very distinguished 15-year spell representing Bengal, but the two parted ways in 2022 following a fallout that originated from a verbal dispute with CAB joint secretary, Debabrata Das.
Das had accused Saha of making frequent excuses for not playing Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal, infuriating him enough to break ties with the team and shift allegiance to Tripura. Now, there is a need to reconcile and move on. The focus now was to not look back at all and do something for Bengal cricket again.
While speaking to the media at Eden Gardens, Saha stressed that his mind is absolutely clear and in the present, and he would play cricket for Bengal until the end of his career. He added that he would help Bengal in any capacity—perhaps as a coach in the future—but nothing administrative.
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“I don’t think about what’s gone behind or what’s going to happen in the future; I think of the present,” Wriddhiman Saha said, as ESPNcricinfo quoted him as saying. “Presently, my thinking is only about playing for Bengal. I’ve forgotten everything that’s happened in the past. I’m ready to contribute to Bengal in whatever manner I can. Since I’m a cricketer myself, I’d be better off coaching rather than taking some admin role.”
#Kolkata | Cricketer #WriddhimanSaha says, “After playing for almost 15 years with the West Bengal cricket team, I played for the Tripura cricket team for two years. Now I have returned to play for the West Bengal cricket team” pic.twitter.com/IXPWWQPOZ7
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) August 12, 2024
Asked about retirement, Wriddhiman Saha did not mince words and replied that it is not in his mind as of now. His priority, the wicketkeeper-batsman said, is to remain fit and available as an all-format player—ready for red-ball cricket, white-ball cricket, or the IPL. He accepted the workload had to be carefully managed at his age but added his passion for the game was still undiminished.
“I am not thinking of retirement at this moment,” added Wriddhiman Saha. “When I do decide to retire, I will step away from all forms and formats of cricket. But for now, I’m focused on playing in all formats—be it red-ball, white-ball, or IPL. I will manage my workload with my age in mind, but still have the drive to play cricket and to see Bengal do well.
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Though born in Siliguri, Saha has been an integral part of the Bengal cricket scene over the years. As he gets ready to probably rejoin the team, building on his legacy further and doing everything possible towards seeing Bengal cricket rise to even greater heights is something he looks forward to. His experience and commitment could be invaluable in what might turn out to be the final large chapters of his great career.
