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Former Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha received a heartfelt Guard of Honour from his teammates and opponents during his farewell match in the Ranji Trophy against Punjab at Eden Gardens. This emotional moment marked the culmination of a remarkable career that spanned over a decade, showcasing Saha’s contributions to Indian cricket.
A fitting farewell for Wriddhiman Saha
As Saha walked out to keep the wickets on the first day and bat on the second day of the match, both teams lined up to applaud him, acknowledging his significant achievements and the end of an era. The 40-year-old cricketer had announced his retirement from all forms of cricket earlier in the season, emphasizing that this would be his final appearance for Bengal.
In a poignant message shared on social media, he had earlier expressed his gratitude for the journey he experienced in cricket: “After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I’m honoured to represent Bengal one final time, playing only in the Ranji Trophy before I retire. Let’s make this season one to remember!”.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Wriddhiman Saha reveals the reason behind rejecting KKR’s coaching role
Here’s the video:
A special and emotional farewell 🫂
Guard of honour and felicitation for Bengal wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha who is playing his final First-class match 👏👏#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @Wriddhipops
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/GAuG6Mqk8H pic.twitter.com/DGCJRh4QWT
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) January 31, 2025
Saha’s illustrious career highlights
Saha’s career is marked by impressive statistics and memorable performances. Over 141 first-class matches, he amassed 7,169 runs at an average of 48.68, including 14 centuries and 44 fifties. His contributions as a wicketkeeper were equally noteworthy; he was known for his exceptional skills behind the stumps, often regarded as one of India’s finest glovemen. Saha made his Test debut in 2010 and played 40 Tests for India, scoring 1,353 runs with three centuries.
Despite his illustrious career, Saha faced challenges towards its end. His exclusion from the national team in 2021 was a significant turning point. The team management decided to prioritize younger players like KS Bharat as backup wicketkeeper to Rishabh Pant. Reflecting on this decision, Saha stated, “I wouldn’t call it injustice… Maybe I wasn’t capable enough or didn’t deliver as expected”. This candid acknowledgment underscores his sportsmanship and acceptance of the evolving dynamics within the team.
The final match of the Bengal great
In what was supposed to be a celebratory farewell, Saha’s performance in his last innings was bittersweet as he was dismissed for a duck after just seven deliveries. However, this did not overshadow the respect and admiration he garnered from fans and fellow players alike during the match. The standing ovation he received was a testament to his impact on Indian cricket and the legacy he leaves behind.
