Delhi [India], February 2: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha officially announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on Saturday. Saha’s last match was against Punjab with Bengal in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 Group C encounter, where he was dismissed for a seven-ball duck. Despite his personal disappointment, Bengal won the match by an innings and 13 runs.
On his final day on the crease, Saha was given a guard of honour by his teammates. Reflecting on his 28-year journey, he expressed gratitude on X, saying, “It has been 28 years since I first stepped onto a cricket field in 1997, and what a journey it has been! Representing my country, state, district, clubs, university, college, and school has been the greatest honor of my life.”
Saha went on to express how the game has shaped him, adding, “Everything I am today, every achievement, every lesson learned – I owe it all to this wonderful game… Now it is time to begin a new chapter, dedicating myself to my family and friends, cherishing the moments I may have missed, and embracing life beyond the field.”
The 40-year-old also thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their continuous support, as well as coaches, teammates, and staff throughout his career. He notably acknowledged his childhood coach Jayanta Bhowmick for his pivotal role in his development, both on and off the field.
“Your guidance, both on and off the field, has been a blessing in my life,” he wrote about Bhowmick. He also extended his thanks to all those who had played a role in his journey, including friends, fans, critics, and journalists.
Saha made his first-class debut in 2007, playing 142 matches, 210 innings, and scoring 7,169 runs at an average of 41.43. He scored 14 centuries and 44 fifties during his first-class career. Saha also represented India in 40 Tests, amassing 1,353 runs, with three centuries and six fifties. His last international appearance for India was in 2021, and he announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2024.