I will not retire just because people have been talking about it: Wriddhiman Saha

Wriddhiman Saha donned the gloves for India during the two-match home Test series against New Zealand in November-December last year in the absence of Rishabh Pant who was rested. Saha did not feature in the playing XI during the three-match Test series in South Africa that followed and recently was in the news for opting out from Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad after reportedly being told that he won’t be picked for the home series against Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the veteran wicketkeeper batter has made it clear that he has not backed out from the Bengal squad just because he was unable to find a place in the team for the Sri Lanka series. At the same time, Saha has also confidently said that he would not be hanging up his boots even if the stumper does not get a chance to feature in the upcoming home series.

These are personal decisions, says Saha on retirement rumours

“These are personal decisions. Virat stepping down as captain was his personal decision, so similarly my retirement will be my personal decision. Everyone has a start and an end. But I will not retire just because people have been talking about it. If the team doesn’t like my performance and if they drop me is something I can accept. But I will not leave if people push me”, said Saha while speaking to Sportstar.

At the same, the Bengal cricketer also mentioned that he is just 37 and still has some good years of cricket left in him. Furthermore, the gloveman also added that he has seen 40-year-old players in international cricket and many of them have even continued after the age of 40.

“In my career, I have even seen 40-year-old players in international cricket. Some have continued even after 40. Some have quit early, so it is a personal decision. Now, questions are being raised about my career since I am 37, but there are quite a few other players in the team, who are closer to my age. I am curious to know whether they are facing similar questions,” he added.

After the legendary skipper MS Dhoni’s Test retirement from the longest format in December 2014, Wriddhiman Saha became the first-choice wicketkeeper for the Indian team in whites. Even though the Test stumper was known for taking acrobatic catches behind the stumps, he failed to make much impact with the bat.

And, ever since Team India’s historic 2-1 series win against Australia Down Under last year, the 37-year-old has been in the team as a reserve keeper for the last year.