Team India pacer Mohammed Shami took to social media to express a heartfelt farewell to Wriddhiman Saha, acknowledging the wicket-keeper’s lasting impact on cricket as he announced his retirement from all forms of the game. On the second day of their Ranji Trophy match against Punjab at Eden Gardens on Friday, Saha was honored with a guard of honour from his teammates.
“Today we bid farewell to a true legend of Indian cricket, Wriddhiman Saha. His brilliant glove work and countless memorable moments, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark. From the Ranji Trophy to the national team, his dedication and passion have inspired us all. Wishing you the best in your next chapter, Wriddhiman. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations! Shami wrote on his social media handles.
Shami bids emotional farewell to Saha
Wriddhiman Saha, the 40-year-old cricketer, has amassed an impressive 7,169 runs in 141 First-Class matches, boasting an average of 48.68 with 14 centuries and 44 fifties. His last appearance for India was against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in December 2021.
Internationally, Saha played in 40 Tests, scoring 1,353 runs at an average of 29.41, and participated in nine ODIs. While he opted out of the IPL 2025 auction, Saha has been a mainstay in the IPL since its inception in 2008, recently playing for the Gujarat Titans and winning the title in 2022. Over the years, he has also represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings, famously scoring a century in the 2014 final.
During the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Saha announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. His decision to retire had been contemplated for some time, but he was persuaded to continue by Sourav Ganguly and his wife Romi. Saha, who turned 40 in October last year, made his retirement public in a social media post in November.
