Wriddhiman Saha's Remarkable Rise from Pacer to Premier Keeper

New Delhi, October 23: Wriddhiman Saha, a former India wicketkeeper-batter, has built a career defined by hard work and resilience. Although he is widely remembered as one of the finest gloves in Indian cricket, he began his playing days as a fast bowler.

Saha was born on October 24, 1984, in Shaktigarh, Siliguri, West Bengal. Growing up in a state that is a major centre of Indian cricket, he developed a strong interest in the game and chose it as his career path. As a young cricketer he bowled fast, but gradually his focus turned to wicketkeeping. He then dedicated himself to becoming a wicketkeeper-batter.

Saha made his debut for Bengal in first-class and List A cricket in 2007. Even with good performances, he had to wait for his opportunity in the Indian side. The reason was Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Indian captain who was an established wicketkeeper-batter in all three formats.

In 2010, Saha made his debut for India in both Test and ODI cricket. He became a regular in the Test team after Dhoni retired from Test cricket in December 2014. He continued to play as a Test wicketkeeper-batter until 2021, when Rishabh Pant cemented his place in the role. Saha officially retired from the sport in February 2025.

In Test cricket, Saha scored 1,353 runs in 56 innings across 40 matches. His tally included 3 centuries and 6 half-centuries. In nine ODIs across five innings, he remained not out twice and scored 41 runs. As a keeper in Tests, he took 92 catches and made 12 stumpings. In ODIs, his record includes 17 catches and 1 stumping.

Saha's career was largely shaped during Virat Kohli's captaincy. Kohli praised his work behind the stumps and called him the best wicketkeeper of his time.

Saha may not have played a large number of international matches, but he is counted among the best wicketkeepers to represent India. His energy and agility behind the stumps stood out. With the bat, he played crucial innings that saved India from defeat and helped secure Test victories.

His career with Bengal was equally impressive. Between 2007 and 2025, he scored 7,169 runs from 210 innings in 142 first-class matches. He included 14 centuries and 44 fifties in that tally. He also took 346 catches and made 38 stumpings. In 116 List A matches, he scored 3,072 runs with 3 centuries and 20 fifties.

Saha also had a productive IPL career. From 2008 to 2024, he played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans. In 170 matches and 145 innings, he scored 2,934 runs, including one century and 13 fifties. His highest score was an unbeaten 115.

Following his retirement, Saha has taken up coaching. He is the head coach of the Bengal Under-23 men's cricket team.