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India’s veteran wicketkeeper-batter with 40 Test caps, Wriddhiman Saha, is back to play for Bengal a couple of years after the controversy with Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) joint-secretary Debabrata Das. After playing for Tripura, the 39-year-old will play in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season starting in October. Saha is looking to stay in the present and not think far ahead. However, he is open to a coaching role after he hangs his boots.
"I don't think of the past or the future, but only stay in the present. And on that note, currently, all I am thinking about is about playing for Bengal. I have forgotten everything that happened in the past," Saha told the reporters at Eden Gardens as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
"But I am open to help Bengal in any capacity possible. Since I am a cricketer, I would be better off helping Bengal in coaching instead of any administrative role."
When the controversy surfaced back home, Saha was also informed by then head coach Rahul Dravid that the team management is not considering him as a wicketkeeper-batter in the format and moved on from him. When asked about whether he would retire soon to work as a broadcaster/commentator or play in overseas franchise T20 leagues, he said Ï am not looking at retiring at the moment.”
"When I will retire, I will leave all forms and all formats of cricket, but right now, I am focused on red-ball cricket, white-ball cricket, the IPL, and I'm available for everything. I will be managing my workload with one eye on my age, but I still have the drive to play cricket and see Bengal do well,” said Saha who sported a cap with ‘Never Give Up’ slogan on it.
Saha grooming his replacement
Bengal have two quality wicketkeepers in their squad including a young Abhishek Porel. Saha said that he has been Porel on the sidelines and seeing his growth since he was a young lad.
"Even before I left Bengal, I was grooming Abishek from the sidelines, and that will continue," Saha said. "I have been seeing his growth from his young days, and have been having conversations with him. I am sure the management will also aim to give Abishek all the opportunities possible," he said.
No way back for Saha
Saha’s last appearance in Test cricket was against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in 2021. He registered scores of 27 and 13.
It is unlikely that Saha plays another Test considering the rise of Dhruv Jurel, return of Rishabh Pant and other candidates like Ishan Kishan.
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