Wriddhiman Saha bid adieu to competitive cricket as his state team Bengal finished its Ranji Trophy campaign with an innings victory over Punjab in its last group match at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday.
As a mark of respect, the Bengal players carried Saha, who donned the wicketkeeper’s gloves for the last few minutes of the match, off the field on their shoulders.
Earlier this season, the Siliguri-born Saha, who returned to Bengal after playing two seasons for Tripura, had said that he would quit after the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy assignment.
Saha, who was felicitated prior to the match, signed off after posing for memorable pictures with his family and team-mates.
“I have enjoyed every bit of my long journey. I have done the best for every team I have played for… a lot of memories. I thank each and everyone who was involved in my journey. Now it is time to spend time with my family,” said Saha.
Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said, “Wriddhiman has always been a team-man, supporting youngsters. Even after playing a match for India, he came back and played club-level cricket. His commitment is incredible.”
Bengal captain Anustup Majumdar remembered Saha’s contribution. “We have spent a lot of time together, playing at junior and senior levels. He has been incredible with the bat and as a wicket-keeper.”
The 40-year-old played 40 Tests and gathered 1353 runs, including three centuries, at an average of 29.41. Rated as one of the finest keepers, Saha took 92 catches and effected 12 stumpings. He featured in nine ODIs as well.
Saha scored 7169 runs, including 14 hundreds, at 41.43 in 142 first class matches over 17 years. He held 346 catches and did 38 stumpings.
Saha scored 3072 runs in List-A and 4655 in T20s.
A regular in the Indian Premier League, Saha donned the colours of five franchises. He played in 170 matches and scored 2934 runs, including a century and 13 fifties, with a strike rate of over 127. He also contributed 92 catches and 26 stumpings.