Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha, aged 40, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, with the ongoing Ranji Trophy season marking his last. Known for his exceptional glovework, Saha will also conclude his IPL career after an impressive 17 seasons.

Saha, who celebrated his 40th birthday in October, shared the news of his retirement on Sunday, expressing his desire to make his final season representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy memorable. Recognized as one of India’s top wicketkeepers, Saha played 40 Tests and nine ODIs, stepping up as India’s primary wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni’s retirement from red-ball cricket. Over his 13-year Test career, he accumulated 1,353 runs, including three centuries, placing him behind only Dhoni and Rishabh Pant for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. His last Test match was in 2021 against New Zealand, after which the Indian team opted for KS Bharat as the backup for Pant under head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma.

In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Saha expressed gratitude to his fans and the cricket community, stating, “After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I am honored to represent Bengal one final time in the Ranji Trophy before I retire.” He emphasized his wish to make this final season memorable, reflecting on his career that began in 2007 with Bengal before a brief move to Tripura amid disputes with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Saha has struggled in the current Ranji season, having scored zero runs and made three catches in two matches.

Farewell to the IPL

Saha, a constant presence in the IPL since its inception in 2008, is not expected to play in the 2025 season. He has not registered for the upcoming mega auction, indicating that his IPL journey may also be coming to an end. Throughout his career, he has represented five franchises—KKR, CSK, PBKS, SRH, and most recently, Gujarat Titans, with whom he won the IPL trophy in 2022. With 17 seasons under his belt, Saha is among the select few players who have participated in the league since its very beginning, consistently contributing to each team.

Saha’s Legacy

Throughout his career, Saha has built a reputation as a resilient cricketer known for his outstanding glovework, composure under pressure, and unwavering commitment to the sport. His return to Bengal, inspired by discussions with Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and ex-BCCI president, symbolizes a full-circle moment, allowing him to conclude his journey where it all started. Despite recent struggles with scoring, Saha’s impact on Indian cricket remains significant, particularly among the next generation of wicketkeepers.