Wriddhiman Saha Retires From All Cricket Formats, Declines IPL 2025 For Last Dance With Bengal

Experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha declared on Sunday, November, his retirement from all formatsof cricket. He disclosed in a sincere social media post that his last chapter in professional cricket would be the Ranji Trophy season under present direction. Saha, who turned 40 this month, has played nine one-day internationals for India and forty tests. After MS Dhoni retired, he started to play main keeper-batter for the national team in red-ball games. Second among Indian wicketkeepers for the most century in Test cricket, Saha trails only Dhoni and Rishabh Pant , both of whom are tied for first. He scored 1,353 runs during his Test career, three centuries among them.

Last seen in a Test match three years ago, in 2021 against New Zealand, Saha Although the new management at that time—headed by head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma —opted to move on from Saha, concentrating on KS Bharat, even though Rishabh Pant was providing significant innings throughout that series. Writing on X, Saha promised to make Bengal's final season unforgettable, He said: 

“After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I am honoured to represent Bengal one final time, playing only in the Ranji Trophy before I retire,” 

“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible ride, your support has meant the world. Let’s make this season one to remember…”

Wriddhiman Saha to make the most out of cricket before retiring 

According to several media reports, Wriddhiman Saha has not registered for the next mega auction later this month so he is not likely to take part in next year's IPL . The Gujarat Titans , the squad Saha had spent the last three years playing with, did not retain him. Having played for five teams— Kolkata Knight Riders , Chennai Super Kings , Punjab Kings , Sunrisers Hyderabad , and Gujarat Titans—he is especially among the few players who has participated in every IPL season from its start in 2008. 

Saha made his First-class debut in 2007 and spent 15 years playing for Bengal before switching to Tripura after conflict with Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) authorities. Former CAB chairman Avishek Dalmiya tried to convince Saha to stay on, but he made it clear that he was leaving. His displeasure was fuelled by a top CAB official's remarks about his devotion, prompting him to leave the Bengal team's WhatsApp group. He guided Tripura last season as a mentor, with a reasonable record, but he has now gone back to Bengal, perhaps for his last season. Though his recent performance has been poor, with 0 runs scored and three catches in two games, he is likely to make the most out of his last few days as a professional cricketer.