Wriddhiman Saha

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Lore & Background

When the Gujarat Titans needed a seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman for their 2022 campaign, they turned to Wriddhiman Saha. Purchased in the February 2022 auction, Saha joined a new franchise looking to build a competitive squad. His reputation preceded him: he was the first cricketer ever to score a century in an IPL final, an unbeaten 115 off 55 balls for Kings XI Punjab against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. Though his team lost that match, the innings cemented his place in IPL history. Saha's role with the Titans was that of a senior professional. He had previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, and Sunrisers Hyderabad across his IPL career. His experience behind the stumps and ability to anchor an innings provided stability to the new franchise. He remained with Gujarat Titans until his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2024, having played his final season with the team.

In Their Own Story

The 2022 IPL season was a fresh start for everyone at Gujarat Titans. Saha, now 37, knew his role: provide experience and steady hands behind the stumps. Throughout the league stage, his calm presence helped guide a young bowling attack. When the Titans reached the playoffs, Saha's decade of IPL experience became invaluable. He had been in this position before — playing in finals, scoring centuries under lights. His quiet leadership in the dressing room, sharing insights from his years with multiple franchises, helped the Titans navigate pressure situations. When Gujarat Titans clinched the IPL 2022 Champions title, Saha had added another chapter to his long career: helping a debut franchise win it all.

Reader's Guide

Wriddhiman Saha joined Gujarat Titans in 2022 after being bought at the IPL auction. He played for the franchise until his retirement in 2024. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, his primary contributions were his reliable glovework and batting stability. In the 2020 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he had shown his capability as an opener, scoring 214 runs in 4 matches with a 70+ average including 2 half-centuries. However, his 2021 season was less productive, with 131 runs in 9 matches at an average of 14.55. For Gujarat Titans, Saha's value extended beyond statistics. He was one of the most experienced Indian wicketkeepers in the tournament, having made his Test debut in February 2010. His knowledge of opposition players and match situations made him a valuable mentor. Fans appreciated his safe hands behind the stumps and his ability to rotate strike. After the 2024 season, Saha announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, ending a career that spanned from his Ranji Trophy debut in 2007–08 to his final match for Bengal against Punjab in the Ranji Trophy, which Bengal won by an innings and 13 runs.

Did You Know?

• Wriddhiman Saha is the first cricketer to score a century in an Indian Premier League final, making an unbeaten 115 off 55 balls for Kings XI Punjab in 2014.
• He became the first Indian wicket-keeper to take ten catches in a single Test match, achieving this against South Africa on 8 January 2018.
• Saha scored the fastest century in domestic cricket, reaching 102 runs off just 20 balls in 2018 with a strike rate of 510.
• He made his Test debut as a specialist batsman after V.V.S. Laxman and Rohit Sharma both became unavailable due to injury on the morning of the match.
• Saha captained KT from 2011 to 2013 and led them to their 2nd title in 2012 in the WBC League.

The Unlikely Test Debut and Early Struggles

Wriddhiman Saha's entry into Indian Test cricket remains one of the most serendipitous moments in recent history. Originally included in the January 2010 squad against South Africa merely as a reserve wicket-keeper behind Dinesh Karthik, he was not expected to play. However, fate intervened when V.V.S. Laxman suffered an injury and Rohit Sharma twisted his ankle playing football during warm-ups. With no specialist batsman available on short notice, Saha was thrust into the lineup as a specialist batter. His debut was challenging; dismissed by Dale Steyn for a duck in the first innings, he managed 36 runs in the second before India lost the match. Consequently, he was dropped for the series decider. Despite this rocky start, his resilience kept him in contention. He eventually returned to the fold in 2012 when MS Dhoni faced a ban for over-rate issues, scoring a crucial 35 that helped Virat Kohli achieve his maiden Test century. This period defined Saha as a reliable backup who could seize opportunities when circumstances demanded it.

Defining Moments and Historic Milestones

Throughout his international career, Saha achieved several unique milestones that cemented his legacy in Indian cricket history. Most notably, he became the first cricketer ever to score a century in an Indian Premier League final, a feat that highlighted his ability to perform under immense pressure. On the Test stage, his wicket-keeping prowess was equally remarkable; against South Africa in January 2018, he became the first Indian wicket-keeper to record ten catches in a single match. His batting contributions were also significant, including his maiden Test century scored during a tour of the Caribbean at St. Lucia, where he was named man of the match. In October 2016, playing on home soil at Eden Gardens, he achieved twin fifties and secured another man-of-the-match award against the West Indies. Furthermore, in November 2019, he reached a major career benchmark by becoming only the fifth Indian wicket-keeper to effect 100 dismissals in Test cricket, showcasing his longevity and consistency behind the stumps despite frequent competition for the spot.

Domestic Dominance and Franchise Success

Before and alongside his international duties, Saha established himself as a powerhouse in domestic and franchise cricket. His first-class debut in the 2007–08 Ranji Trophy against Hyderabad was spectacular; he scored an unbeaten 111 runs, a performance that immediately earned him a contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders for the inaugural IPL season. In the domestic arena, he holds the record for the fastest century, smashing 102 off just 20 balls in 2018 with a strike rate of 510. His leadership and batting skills were also pivotal in the World Cricket League (WBC), where he captained the Kolkata Tigers from 2011 to 2013, guiding them to their second title in 2012. He continued his prolific run with high scores like 154 not out in 2017 and another century in 2021 against CBST. His versatility was further proven when he represented India A, scoring an unbeaten 85 in a chase of 235 against the Israel Invitational XI, demonstrating that his form remained robust across all formats of the game.

The Long Road to Retirement

Wriddhiman Saha's career trajectory was marked by periods of exclusion due to injury and fierce competition, yet he always fought for his place. A hamstring injury sustained during a tour of South Africa in 2018 forced him out of subsequent series against England and Australia, allowing Rishabh Pant to take over the wicket-keeping duties. Although Saha recovered and returned to India A squads, he found himself frequently on the bench or as a reserve for major tours, including the World Test Championship Final and the 2021 tour of England. Despite these challenges, his dedication remained unwavering until the very end. In late 2023, Saha announced his retirement from all forms of cricket ahead of the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, stating it would be his final tournament. Having played for Bengal as their first-class wicket-keeper and representing India across formats since 2010, he concluded a career defined by resilience, record-breaking performances, and an unwavering commitment to the sport.