Star wicket-keeper announces retirement from all forms of cricket hours after India's 0-3 loss against New Zealand, was also released by IPL team before mega auction

Three years ago, in 2021, Saha played his final Test match against New Zealand. Saha played a couple key knocks in the series.

Nikhil

• Mon • 04 Nov 2024

KL Rahul and Wriddhiman Saha in frame

Highlights:

Wriddhiman Saha announces retirement.

Unlikely to take part in IPL 2025.

India's wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket. Wriddhiman declared on social media that the current Ranji Trophy season would be his final one. The player, who turned 40 this month, has played in 40 Test matches and nine One-Day Internationals for India. For a considerable amount of time following MS Dhoni's retirement, he was India's preferred keeper-batter in red-ball cricket. Second only to Dhoni and Pant (joint first) in terms of keepers with the most hundreds for India. Throughout his career, Saha, who is considered to be among the best glovemen in cricket, amassed 1353 Test runs and three hundreds.

Three years ago, in 2021, Saha played his final Test match against New Zealand. Saha played a couple key knocks in the series, but the team's then-new management, which included captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, chose to gradually remove him from the squad in favor of KS Bharat as Rishabh Pant's backup.

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," Saha wrote on X formerly known as Twitter

Saha unlikely to be part of IPL

Saha has not registered for the forthcoming super auction that is scheduled for later this month, so it seems unlikely that he will play in the IPL next year, according to a Sportstar report. Sources indicate that he may make an official remark on the subject shortly before the auction, despite the fact that he has not officially addressed the issue.

After playing for the Gujarat Titans for the previous three years, Saha was let go. Saha is one of the few players who has participated in every IPL season since the league's start in 2008. He has played for the Gujarat Titans (GT), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).