Wriddhiman Saha Announces Retirement from Professional Cricket

Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, marking the end of a distinguished 17-year career. The 40-year-old cricketer shared that the ongoing 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season will be his final stint on the field.​

Saha made his international debut in 2010 and went on to represent India in 40 Test matches and nine One Day Internationals. He amassed 1,353 runs in Tests, including three centuries and six half-centuries, and was renowned for his exceptional wicketkeeping skills, recording 92 catches and 12 stumpings in the format. Following MS Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket in 2014, Saha became India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in the longest format of the game. ​

In domestic cricket, Saha had a prolific career, featuring in 142 first-class matches and scoring 7,169 runs at an average of 41.43, with 14 centuries and 44 fifties to his name. He began his first-class journey with Bengal in 2007 and, after a brief period with Tripura, returned to Bengal for his final season. His last appearance came in a Ranji Trophy match against Punjab, where Bengal secured a victory by an innings and 13 runs. ​

Saha also made significant contributions in the Indian Premier League (IPL), participating in 170 matches across various franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans. Notably, he became the first player to score a century in an IPL final, achieving this feat in 2014 while playing for Kings XI Punjab. ​

In his retirement announcement, Saha expressed gratitude for his cricketing journey, stating, “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. Let’s make this season one to remember!”