Former India's star wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha talked about his exit from Team India in 2022 and admitted that it was not a matter of injustice, but rather a decision made based on the team's needs. Saha's appearance in Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Punjab on Thursday marked his final time keeping wickets at the iconic Eden Gardens.
If I had performed better, this wouldn't have happened: Wriddhiman Saha on Team India ouster
Although considered one of India's most skilled wicketkeepers, Saha's international career effectively concluded in 2021. The captain-coach combination of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid opted to select KS Bharat as Rishabh Pant's backup, leading to Saha's exclusion. Saha's subsequent omission from the Indian squad for the 2022 home series against Sri Lanka led to a rare public display of his frustration, as he shared private conversations he had with Dravid and then-chief selector Chetan Sharma.
"I wouldn't call it injustice. That would be selfish. Maybe it wasn't just one person's decision. Maybe I wasn't capable enough or didn't deliver as expected, so they made their choice. If I had performed better, this wouldn't have happened. I don't dwell on it -- I just take the positives from whatever comes my way," Saha told reporters in Kolkata.
"If I was in the team, I would have contributed with good catches or good innings. I’ve tried my best for Bengal. In slip fielding, I haven’t missed a single catch. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it," Saha added.
The 40-year-old Saha, who played 40 Tests and nine ODIs for India, kept wickets for the last time at the iconic Eden Gardens on Thursday, during Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Punjab.
Former India's star wicketkeeper-batter also admitted that he has been an emotional person, even as a child and there's no special sentiment about playing his last match.
"I've always been like this. It's my choice to be carefree. I don't seek attention. I just want to remain the same humble player on the field. I've always been comfortable with that. I've never been an emotional person, even as a child. There's no special sentiment about playing my last match. I'll go out with my friends like always," Saha concluded.