Bengal senior men’s team will aim to give Wriddhiman Saha a winning farewell as the veteran wicket-keeper batsmen is all set to take the field for the final time in his career in the Ranji Trophy match against Punjab at the Eden Gardens on Thursday.
Wriddhiman, who has played 40 Tests, 9 ODIs, 141 First-class and 116 List A matches, will call time on his illustrious career after the Ranji match against Punjab.
The 40-year-old, who made his first-class debut for Bengal back in 2007 against Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens, has been a stalwart for Bengal cricket.
*“It has been a memorable journey for me. From Bengal Under-19 days to playing for senior team had been a dream come true for me. It has surely been a joyful ride for me. I had memorable and wonderful memories throughout my playing career. For Bengal and Indian national team, I have created numerous memories and stories which will remain with me forever,” Wriddhiman said on Wednesday.*
*Speaking on Saha, Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said “He has been incredible for Bengal for a long time, both with the bat, behind the stumps and as a leader. I wish him the best for the final match. I have told him to bat and play freely.”*
With one win and three draws from six games so far, Bengal are currently placed in fourth spot with 14 points.
With the last match against Haryana being a memorable one for young and talented batsman Ankit Chatterjee, the Punjab game will be the same for Vishal Bhati as the talented young all-rounder, who had impressed in the U-19 level, is all set to make his Bengal First-Class debut.
Sudip Chatterjee will make a return at the top of the batting line-up and will partner Ankit, who impressed in his first match.
Sudip Kumar Gharami, Anustup Majumdar, Abishek Porel and Wriddhiman Saha will hold the key in the middle.
The bowling department will be led by Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal as Mukesh Kumar, will miss the match due to shoulder stiffness.
Suraj will aim to add to his tally after claiming 11 wickets against Haryana. Sumit Mohanta, the right-handed bowler is also set to make his First-Class debut in the match.
(Inputs from CAB)
