Wriddhiman Saha retires from all forms of cricket, pens emotional note

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha retired from all forms of cricket after playing the last round of the Ranji Trophy group-stage. The Bengal keeper penned an emotional note and shared it via his social media channels.

In Short

• Wriddhiman Saha retires at the age of 40
• Saha calls time after playing a Ranji Trophy game
• Saha has played 40 Tests and 142 first class matches

Bengal stalwart Wriddhiman Saha retired from all forms of cricket after playing the last group-stage match of the Ranji Trophy on Saturday, February 1. Saha, one of India's best-ever wicketkeepers, penned an emotional note, thanking his family, the teams that he had played for, and the staff that helped him over the years.

Saha took to social media to pen a long message. Saha was grateful for his 28-year-long career and said that it was the greatest honour of his life to represent his country, state, district, clubs, university, college, and school. He had earlier announced his decision to call time on his career at the start of the ongoing season.

Saha played 40 Test matches for India and was widely regarded as the best keeper in the country in the red-ball format. His career never took off due to his batting abilities, which were never at par with the likes of MS Dhoni, who saw an incredible rise in his stature at the same time. After Dhoni retired from Test cricket, Saha was able to fix his place in the lineup but for only a brief time as the selectors and management decided to fast-track Rishabh Pant.

Wriddhiman Saha's biggest moment perhaps came in the Indian Premier League when he hit a century in the IPL final against Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2014 season. Despite Saha's century, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) were not able to win the tournament.

In his final years in the IPL, Saha played for Gujarat Titans, under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 371 runs in the last full season that he played (2023).

Full Text of Wriddhiman Saha's Letter:

It has been 28 years since I first stepped onto a cricket field in 1997, and what a journey it has been! Representing my country, state, district, clubs, university, college, and school has been the greatest honor of my life.

Everything I am today, every achievement, every lesson learned— I owe it all to this wonderful game.
Cricket has given me moments of immense joy, unforgettable victories, and invaluable experiences. It has also tested me, shaped me, and taught me resilience. Through the highs and the lows, the triumphs and the setbacks, this journey has made me who I am. But as all things must eventually come to an end, I have decided to retire from all forms of cricket.

Now it is time to begin a new chapter, dedicating myself to my family and friends, cherishing the moments I may have missed, and embracing life beyond the field.

I am eternally grateful to my parents, my beloved elder brother Anirban, and my extended family. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in my dreams made this journey possible.

To my wife Romi, my daughter Anvi, my son Anvay, and my in-laws—thank you for being my pillar of strength. Your patience, sacrifices, and love kept me going through every challenge and success.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the BCCI, its presidents, secretaries, and all office bearers for their support throughout my career.

A sincere thank you to all my coaches, mentors, physios, trainers, analysts, teammates, logistics teams, masseurs, and every support staff member of the Indian Cricket Team, Bengal Cricket Team, Tripura Cricket Team, and all the clubs, districts, universities, and school teams I had the privilege of representing. Your faith in me and your constant encouragement have meant the world.

I am deeply thankful to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) for their trust and support throughout my career.

To my IPL family—KKR, CSK, Kings XI, SRH, and GT—thank you for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your journeys. The bonds and memories will stay with me forever.

A special mention to my childhood coach, Jayanta Bhowmick, who saw something in me long before I saw it in myself. Your guidance, both on and off the field, has been a blessing in my life.

To my friends, ground staff, net bowlers, dressing room attendants, fans, scorers, well-wishers, critics, and journalists—each of you played a role in my journey. Your support, encouragement, and even your criticism pushed me to be better, to work harder, and to never stop learning.

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to our domestic staff, whose dedication and support behind the scenes have been invaluable. Your care and commitment have played a quiet yet significant role in my journey, and I truly appreciate it.

This game has given me more than I could have ever imagined. It has been my passion, my teacher, my identity. As I walk away from the field, I do so with immense gratitude, carrying memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you, cricket. Thank you all.