Wriddhiman Shah. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Senior Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has opted out of the upcoming Duleep Trophy, making way for young and upcoming cricketers. The 38-year-old cricketer opted out of one of India’s most renowned domestic competitions, as it predominantly features players hoping to represent the national team.
Wriddhiman Saha was contacted by Tripura selector Jayanta Dey to replace Ishan Kishan in the East Zone squad after the latter opted out of the competition due to his involvement in the Windies tour for the India team in the first week of July. However, Saha, who is not being considered for a spot in the national team, declined the opportunity to play in the competition.
Saha, who switched to Tripura after his fallout with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), told the Tripura selector that he does not want to block the chances of a national hopeful since he won’t be considered for the national team himself. Young wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel, who made his IPL debut in the 16th edition of the tournament, will be East Zone’s first-choice wicketkeeper, confirmed Jayanta Dey.
“To be fair to Wriddhiman, he said that Duleep Trophy is for India hopefuls. If I am never going to play for India, then doesn’t make sense in preventing a youngster from making a case. Hence we selected Abhishek Porel, who was the third choice,” Jayanta told PTI.
Rishabh Pant’s emergence was a catalyst to Saha’s exit from the Indian team
Despite Rishabh Pant’s absence from the red-ball side due to his injury setback, Saha has not been considered for a national recall. The veteran cricketer was a first choice for the Test side ever since MS Dhoni’s departure from the longest format of the game.
However, the remarkable arrival of Pant to the international circuit resigned Saha to the sidelines, with current head coach Rahul Dravid dropping a bombshell on his future in 2022. Apparently, the former Indian skipper revealed to Saha that the team won’t be moving ahead with his selection in the future.