Veteran India wicket-keeper batter Wriddhiman Saha has announced that the 2024-25 Ranji season will be his last. On the sidelines of Bengal's match against Karnataka in Bengaluru, he shared that his original plan was to walk away after last season, but then two people asked him to carry on - Sourav Ganguly and his wife.

"I wasn't going to play this year. But Sourav Ganguly and my wife pushed me to play in Bengal this year," Saha said. "I played in Tripura for two years and then came to Bengal, and I am pushing for the last year. But this season, due to my body condition and injuries, I won't be able to play for the full season. So I chose the most vital format. It will still be tough, but I will play."

"I was already prepared that I won't even play this year" - Wriddhiman Saha on his IPL participation

However, Saha also confirmed that he is not one of those Indian players to put their name up for the upcoming mega IPL auction, thus ending his 17-year-long association with the league that started way back in 2008. However, Saha also revealed that the decision to bring down the curtains on his long career wasn't difficult at all.

"It was very easy for me. I was already prepared that I won't even play this year. I'd been prepared from last year itself that I wasn't going to play this year, but I've been pushed [to play on]. So I couldn't refuse them [his wife, and Ganguly]. When I started from Bengal last year, I played there again and there was an emotional attachment," Saha said.

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Wriddhiman Saha and Sourav Ganguly had a rift previously

Notably, the Siliguri-born cricketer had moved away to play two seasons for Tripura before returning to Bengal this season. Reflecting on his international career, Saha said that he was happy to always be a team player as well. However, Saha's association with Ganguly is not new. They also had a rift over a place in the Test squad previously as well. Reports also suggested that questions were raised if Sourav Ganguly is interfering in selection matters. Wriddhiman Saha's axing from the Indian Test squad for the home series against Sri Lanka made headlines as a shared private WhatsApp conversation revealed that and Saha told the media that Ganguly had "assured him a spot in the Test squad as long as he was BCCI boss".

"I could have played better. But I always thought about the team first. If I played a little for myself, which shouldn't happen, then the stats would have been better.

"But I played 40 Tests. I played on and off. I had injuries. But I came back. I am happy. I represented India for 17 years. I played in the IPL. I played in Bengal. It was all a good experience," Saha said. "There were a lot of innings where we were going to declare. If I hadn't been out for 3-4 overs... my average is around 30 [29.41], but it could have been 35. But I don't look at the stats. I always played for the team. I did the job I was supposed to do. If I was told to go out there and hit, then I've done that. In that process if I get out, I get out. But I played for the team, always," he added.

As far as his most memorable moment in his domestic career is concerned, he also hopes that it will arrive this season in the form of qualification for the finals.

"I've not been a [Ranji] champion. We won T20 and the one-dayers. We won the Duleep Trophy for two years. Those were good moments. But before I leave, if we qualify for the finals, it would be even better," he shared. "If I get an offer from another state or Bengal, I will think about it. If some associations think about it, then [yes]. I have been playing cricket since childhood. I haven't done anything else. I want to share as much knowledge as I have in cricket. I already take training in a few academies in my off-time so that experience [is there]. So if I get a job with the Bengal team or offers from any other state, then I'll consider it."

In a major turn of events, Indian wicketkeeper batter Wriddhiman Saha announced his retirement from all forms of cricket through a social media post on Twitter. This shocking development was made public on Sunday, Saha, aged 40, is currently representing his side Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The veteran wicket-keeper hints to his fans that this will be the last domestic season of his career.

Saha predominately lived under the shadows of the star wicket-keeper MS Dhoni but still went on to make sporadic international appearances for India in 40 Tests and nine ODIs. He made these limited opportunities count and played some noteworthy knocks for his side across formats. After MS Dhoni, Saha was considered India's go-to option for a wicket-keeper-batter in red-ball cricket for quite some  

In his overall Test career, the Bengal wicket-keeper batter amassed 1353 runs which included three centuries making him the second player after MS Dhoni and Rishab Pant to hold the most number of Test centuries as a wicket-keeper batter. 

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Saha’s emotional tweet on X

On Sunday, Saha took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) to announce that he will no longer feature for his first-class side in domestic cricket. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for being associated with the game for this long and extended his vote of thanks to everyone who was involved in nurturing him during his cricketing career.

After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I’m honored to represent Bengal one final time, playing only in the Ranji Trophy before I retire. Let’s make this season one to remember! pic.twitter.com/sGElgZuqfP

— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) November 3, 2024

Speculations are also rife that Saha may not feature in the upcoming IPL season. As per reports, the 40-year-old has not enrolled himself for the meg auction which is expected to be held later this month. Although a public announcement is yet to be made regarding his participation in the IPL, experts suggest that an announcement may come soon just before the auction kicks off. 

Saha has not been retained by his franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) this year and hence there is a high possibility that we may not see him in action anymore in the IPL. In addition to representing GT for three years, Saha has also represented five more franchises in his IPL career which include Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a cricketing extravaganza and a platform where legendary cricketers showcase their skills. However, as time passes, cricketers inevitably face the prospect of bidding farewell to the field. The ongoing IPL tournament could be the last season of their career. In such a situation, if we talk about those 5 legendary players whose IPL 2024 could be the last IPL season, then their names are as follows-

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (CSK)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as ‘Captain Cool,’ has been a stalwart of Indian cricket and the IPL. However, at 42, Dhoni’s physical fitness has become a concern, exacerbated by recurring orthopedic issues. With speculation rife about his retirement, IPL 2024 could be the swansong for the former Chennai Super Kings captain. Under his leadership, CSK achieved enormous success in this league. CSK won the IPL title five times under his leadership. At the start of the season, Dhoni passed the baton of CSK leadership role to young batter Ruturaj Gaikwad.

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MS Dhoni entered the IPL fray in 2008, embarking on a journey that would cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in the tournament’s history. Over the years, Dhoni has graced the IPL stage with his exceptional batting prowess in 262 matches, amassing a staggering total of 5,218 runs.

With a remarkable batting average of 39.23, Dhoni has been a linchpin for his teams, often delivering match-winning performances. Among his many achievements in the IPL, Dhoni has registered an impressive tally of 24 half-centuries, with his highest individual score at an unbeaten 84 runs.

Dhoni’s ability to find the boundaries is evident from his impressive count of 360 fours and 251 sixes throughout his IPL career. His penchant for finishing matches in style has endeared him to cricket fans worldwide, earning him the moniker of ‘Captain Cool.’

2. Amit Mishra (LSG)

Amit Mishra, the seasoned leg-spinner representing Lucknow Super Giants, finds himself in a similar predicament as Dhoni. At 41 years old, Mishra’s playing opportunities and fitness concerns have dwindled. It’s unlikely that Mishra will feature prominently in future IPL seasons, making IPL 2024 a possible curtain call for the leg-spin maestro.

Amit Mishra made his IPL debut in 2008 and has been a prominent figure in the tournament. Throughout his 162-match career, Mishra has showcased his bowling prowess by claiming 174 wickets. With an impressive average of 23.84, Mishra has proven to be a formidable force in the IPL bowling lineup. He has maintained an economy rate of approximately 7.38 runs per over, demonstrating his ability to consistently contain batters while taking wickets.

Mishra’s best individual bowling performance in the IPL came with figures of 5/17, highlighting his match-winning capabilities with the ball. In the IPL Auction 2024, the Lucknow franchise secured Mishra’s services for Rs 50.00 Lac, recognizing his value as a seasoned spinner.

3. Wriddhiman Saha (GT)

Gujarat Titans wicket keeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha has had a distinguished career in Indian cricket. However, at 39 years old and with retirement from international cricket behind him, Saha’s IPL prospects seem bleak. His absence from domestic cricket further diminishes the likelihood of seeing him in the IPL beyond 2024.

Wriddhiman Saha entered the IPL arena in 2008, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the tournament. Throughout his IPL career, which spans 170 matches, Saha has consistently performed with the bat, amassing 2,934 runs. His batting average is a respectable 24.25, reflecting his ability to contribute consistently to his team’s success.

Saha’s IPL portfolio boasts one century and 13 half-centuries, with his highest individual score being an unbeaten 115 runs. His knack for scoring boundaries is evident from the impressive tally of 296 fours and 87 sixes that he has accumulated over the years.

In the IPL Auction 2024, the Gujarat franchise secured Saha’s services for Rs 1.90 Cr, recognizing his worth as a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman.

4. Dinesh Karthik (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s dependable wicketkeeper-batsman, Dinesh Karthik, may appear fit on the field, but at 38, age catches up with even the most seasoned players. As he approaches 40, Karthik’s future in the IPL remains uncertain, with teams possibly preferring younger talent over experienced campaigners.

Dinesh Karthik stepped into the IPL arena in 2008, marking the beginning of a prolific career in the tournament. Over the years, Karthik has showcased his batting prowess in 254 IPL matches, accumulating 4,817 runs. With an impressive batting average of 26.61, Karthik has established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman in the IPL circuit.

Throughout his IPL journey, Karthik has notched up an impressive tally of 22 half-centuries, with his highest individual score standing at an unbeaten 97 runs. His ability to find boundaries is evident from the 464 fours and 160 sixes he registered in his IPL career.

5. Ishant Sharma (DC)

Delhi Capitals’ experienced fast bowler, Ishant Sharma, faces the dual challenge of age and fitness concerns. At 35, Sharma’s pace bowling prowess may be on the wane, compounded by potential fitness issues. With the demands of T20 cricket and younger talents emerging, IPL 2024 could mark the end of Sharma’s IPL journey.

Ishant Sharma entered the IPL arena in 2008, marking the commencement of his journey in the tournament. Over the years, Sharma has participated in 108 IPL matches, showcasing his bowling prowess on various occasions. With 89 wickets to his name, Sharma has proven to be a valuable asset for his teams in the IPL.

Sharma’s bowling statistics include an average of 34.93, with an economy rate of approximately 8.21 runs per over. His best individual bowling figures stand at an impressive 5/12, reflecting his ability to deliver match-winning performances when called upon.

The launch of ‘Banned: A Social Media Trial’ by sports historian Boria Majumdar has drawn attention to his challenging journey, which has been marked by social media backlash and personal trials. The book, officially introduced on Tuesday, sheds light on the tumultuous period faced by Majumdar, with notable support from figures like Abhinav Bindra and Pullela Gopichand.

Background of the Controversy

Majumdar’s ban from covering cricket stemmed from allegations made by a cricketer, resulting in a barrage of social media attacks that deeply affected him and his family. The book presents a candid account of this period, offering insights into the events leading up to the ban and its repercussions.

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Impact on Mental and Emotional Well-being

The relentless trolling on social media took a toll on Majumdar’s mental and emotional health, as well as that of his family members, including his wife, sister, and young daughter. The book delves into the profound impact of online abuse and the challenges of coping with such adversity.

Motivation Behind Writing the Book

Driven to share his story and seek closure, Majumdar decided to document his experience in ‘Banned: A Social Media Trial.’ Despite the irreparable loss of opportunities and the strain on his family, he felt compelled to confront the issue head-on.

Quotes from Boria Majumdar

Reflecting on the ordeal, Majumdar emphasizes the debilitating nature of social media trials and the resilience required to withstand them. He acknowledges the power dynamics at play and the lasting scars left by the experience.

Speaking on the occasion, Boria said, “A social media trial can break you. There were thousands of tweets of abuse for days on end, all premised on a set of untruths pushed by someone hugely powerful because he had played for the country and the national team. Against the entitled, I never stood a chance. The online trial forced me and the family to draw on every last bit of inner strength, and yet left permanent scars.”

“Having served the ban, I wanted closure in the form of this book. But no one knows better that there will never be a full stop. I will not get back the two years of opportunities that I lost, or the days and evenings when I was almost a stranger to my daughter,” he added.

Contributions from Abhinav Bindra and Pullela Gopichand

Abhinav Bindra and Pullela Gopichand offer their perspectives on the dangers of social media abuse and the importance of focusing on one’s strengths amidst adversity. Their words of encouragement underscore the need for resilience in the face of online abuse.

Gopichand explained, “With the continuous social media abuse, we tend to lose hope. Losing hope and motivation is the worst thing that can happen to us. When this controversy happened my only advice to Boria was to focus on what he does best – his journalism – and forget everything else.”

“I think as athletes and as a community, we stand for certain values and should be very careful with what we say or put out for we have a certain currency. What we put out on social media I think is something that we must be very wary of and do it with a degree of responsibility,” the Olympic gold medalist Bindra said.

Perils of Social Media Trials

The book underscores the dangers of social media trials, where false narratives and targeted attacks can wreak havoc on individuals and their families. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support for those facing similar challenges.

Through Majumdar’s journey, readers glean insights into navigating social media controversies and preserving one’s well-being. The book offers valuable lessons on resilience, self-care, and seeking support during challenging times.

Majumdar’s wife, Sharmistha Gooptu said, “I can only be thankful that my daughter was then 8 and not 14 or 15 and not on social media to witness her father’s humiliation. The trolls did not spare her or me.”