‘Now that I’m back, I will try my best to get an opportunity in team’ – Wriddhiman Saha on Bengal comeback and future aspirations

Wriddhiman Saha. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP/Getty Images)

Wriddhiman Saha has returned to Bengal after a two-year hiatus. The former India wicketkeeper had a public fallout that saw him moving away from his state of birth and joining Tripura. During his first media interaction since rejoining Bengal, Saha said that he is focused on the present and determined to earn his place back in the Bengal side.

The 39-year-old’s return was facilitated by a “friendly discussion” with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and his wife Romi. This marks a significant juncture in his career and for Bengal cricket. Saha is going to represent Rashmi Medinipur Wizards in the inaugural edition of the Bengal Pro T20 League. He is the marquee player of the franchise led by former India A player Sudip Chatterjee.

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“I have not yet met the CAB officials, but went to the dressing room during practice and the colours of the chairs have changed. It looks different,” a nostalgic Saha was quoted as saying by India Today.

Saha refused to delve into the past and said that he is looking forward to putting his best foot forward in Bengal’s premier T20 tournament and making a case for his selection in the state side.

“I never looked at the past; I always lived in the present. I’ve started my journey from here. Now that I’m back, I will try my best to get an opportunity in the Bengal side. I’ve always given more than my 100 per cent wherever I played,” Saha added.

I have always wished the best for Bengal: Wriddhiman Saha

The diminutive cricketer asserted that his bond with Bengal remained strong, even during his time in Tripura. He said that he was in touch with his friends from the Bengal team and also kept track of how the two-time Ranji Trophy champions were faring in their matches.

“I have always wished the best for Bengal; that’s what I said when I left. For me, everything belongs to Bengal — the start, the growth, everything happened here. It’s not that I’m cut off from Bengal just because I’ve signed up with Tripura. I went there to play Ranji Trophy. After playing, I would come back here and speak to the friends,” Saha stated.

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The Shaktigarh-born was asked whether he would be keen to lead Bengal in the upcoming domestic season. Replying to this, Saha reiterated that he wishes to live in the present and said that he is hoping to do well and get selected on the side. Young Abhishek Porel has showcased his tremendous talent in the absence of Saha and there could be a possibility of Bengal fielding both the wicketkeeper-batters in their playing XI during the impending season.

“I’ve not thought too far ahead, as I said I live in the present. First I’ve to do well to get selected.” the Gujarat Titans cricketer said.