When an individual takes up any sport as a profession, the ultimate goal is to represent the national team. Some get the chance and end their journey smoothly while for some, it just ends abruptly. In India, there have been so many cricketers whose careers have come to an unexpected end. It looks like Wriddhiman Saha is the new member of that club.
According to a report, Wriddhiman Saha has been told that he will not be considered for selection in the national team from now on. And as a result, Saha has opted out of the Ranji Trophy. Saha was not among the 22 members of the Bengal’s Ranji squad which confirms the speculations. The veteran wicketkeeper has represented India in 40 Tests so far scoring 1353 runs and has 104 dismissals to his name.
“Wriddhiman has been categorically told by influential people in the team management that they want to move on and create some new back-ups alongside Rishabh Pant,” a senior BCCI official was quoted saying by PTI.
“He was explained that he won’t be picked for the Sri Lanka Tests as it’s time that Kona gets his share of exposure with the senior team. Maybe that’s the reason, Wriddhiman had informed the Cricket Association of Bengal president Abhishek Dalmiya and joint secretary, Snehasish Ganguly, that he would not play Ranji Trophy this season for ‘personal reasons’. That’s why the selectors didn’t pick him as he was unavailable for selection,” the source added as per the same report.
Who if not Saha?
While Saha was replaced by Rishabh Pant shortly after MS Dhoni retired in India whites, the Bengal cricketer was still the best gloveman and was considered as a backup keeper if Pant wasn’t available. But as it is said ‘You’re good until someone better walks in’. The Indian team management saw an able wicketkeeper in Kona Srikar Bharat during the New Zealand series when he came as a substitute for Saha, and they are tempted to give him more exposure.
Bharat was quick behind the wicket on a turning track in Kanpur Test. While the Andhra batter is yet to make a debut, he has some good first-class numbers to boas about. In 70 first-class matches, Bharat has 4283 runs and has affected 301 (270 Catches 31 Stumpings) dismissals. On the other hand, Saha is 37 already and the team management is not looking at him as a future asset.
