Experienced cricketer Wriddhiman Saha, known for his skills as both a wicketkeeper and batsman, has come back to Bengal after spending two seasons with Tripura. He shared his intention to participate in all three types of cricket matches for Bengal in the upcoming local season. Saha, aged 39, has been part of 40 Test matches, scoring 1353 runs including three hundred-run games and six fifty-run games. He had left Bengal in 2022-23 due to a disagreement with the Cricket Association of Bengal’s secretary, Debabrata Das, who claimed Saha was avoiding playing for Bengal by making excuses. But on Monday, Saha mentioned he wants to move past the issues and concentrate on the new season.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Bengal. I’m eager to play and do my best for the state. Right now, my goal is to play in all three types of matches for Bengal, and it will depend on how the season progresses,” Wriddhiman stated during a media event at Eden Gardens on Monday.
The right-handed player was joined by the Cricket Association of Bengal President Snehasish Ganguly and CAB Secretary Naresh Ojha.
Talking about Saha’s return to Bengal, Snehasish Ganguly said, “We are very happy to have Wriddhi back in Bengal. He has done a lot for us before. I hope his return makes the team stronger, and Bengal will try to do better in the next season. I wish Wriddhi the best for the upcoming season.”
Saha, the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, thanked former India captain Sourav Ganguly for helping to resolve the issues between him and CAB.
“Bengal has a mix of young players and experienced ones. I believe this mix will help us create a strong team. As a team, we’re not thinking too far ahead; we’re just concentrating on our current tasks and getting ready for the season,” Saha explained.
Regarding his age and thoughts on retiring, Saha stated, “I see age as just a number. I’ll keep playing as long as I’m excited to play. I don’t have any plans to retire right now. When the time comes that I decide to stop playing, I’ll retire from all types of the game.”
When asked about his position next to rising star Abishek Porel, a skilled wicketkeeper-batsman who is already a key player, Wriddi responded, “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. I’m always focused on the team’s interests, and I’m prepared to take actions that benefit the team and support the long-term career of a gifted player like Abishek.”