Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha officially announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, November 3, through a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter). Saha, who recently turned 40, revealed that he would compete in one final Ranji Trophy season with Bengal, marking an end to his long and dedicated cricketing journey.
“After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I’m honoured 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 wrote, expressing his gratitude for the sport and excitement for his farewell season.
Saha’s career has been defined by his skill and resilience behind the stumps and with the bat. Over the course of 40 Test matches, he scored 1353 runs at an average of 29.41. He also represented India in nine ODIs, scoring a modest 41 runs, but his role in Tests solidified his legacy as a dependable wicketkeeper and a lower-order contributor.
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Wriddhiman Saha’s last international appearance was in a Test series against New Zealand in 2021. Despite performing well, he was soon replaced by the younger KS Bharat, who became Rishabh Pant’s backup in the national side.
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! pic.twitter.com/sGElgZuqfP
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) November 3, 2024
Alongside his Ranji retirement, Saha also appears ready to move on from the Indian Premier League (IPL), with reports indicating that he has not registered for the upcoming IPL auction. Notably, the Gujarat Titans, his most recent IPL team, chose not to retain him. Saha’s departure from the IPL would mark the end of a continuous 16-year presence in the tournament, during which he played for five different franchises: Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans.
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As one of the few players to have been part of the IPL since its inception in 2008, Saha’s experience and steady presence have been cherished by fans. With both his domestic and IPL chapters closing, his legacy remains as one of India’s most reliable and hardworking wicketkeepers, remembered for his agility, dedication, and passion for the game.
