Wriddhiman Saha and Sourav Ganguly ( Source : X / Twitter )
A potential farewell match for wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha with his home state Bengal is being arranged by none other than former Indian captain and CAB (Cricket Association of Bengal) President Sourav Ganguly. In a recent meeting between the two, Ganguly requested Saha to don the Bengal colours one last time before hanging his boots on his illustrious career.
The 39-year-old had a fallout with the Cricket Association of Bengal officials back in 2022, leading him to find a new home in Tripura. This triggered him to make an abrupt exit from the state he had represented for over a decade. However, Ganguly, who shares a good relationship with Saha, seems keen on facilitating a proper send-off for the veteran.
“Ganguly wants Saha to retire for Bengal, playing at least one last match. Saha told me this. But he’s yet to ask for a NOC (no objection certificate) from Tripura,” Tripura Cricket Association joint secretary Jayanta Dey told NDTV.
“We have recently given NOC to Sudip Chatterjee who is set for a Bengal return, but Saha has not asked for it as of now,” Dey added.
Wriddhiman Saha featured in 136 first-class matches
The potential farewell match could be decided ahead of the upcoming Bengal Pro T20 franchise league, scheduled to begin on June 11. Although the players’ draft is already over, Saha’s inclusion in the Siliguri Strikers remains a possibility.
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The meeting between Ganguly and Saha holds significance, as it comes a couple of years after their much-publicized spat. In 2021, Saha had accused the then BCCI President of assuring him a spot in the Indian team, only to be dropped later. This led to a bitter public exchange and eventually Saha’s exit from Bengal to join Tripura in Ranji Trophy.
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In 40 Test matches and nine ODIs, the Bengal-born has scored 1353 and 41 runs respectively. The veteran stumper-batter has featured in 136 first-class matches and scored 7013 runs including 14 centuries and 43 half centuries.