Veteran wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha has decided to withdraw himself from Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad after being reportedly told that his services won’t be required for Team India in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. The men in blues are scheduled to play the Islanders in a two-match Test series, starting March 4 in Mohali.
A PTI report confirms that the management has conveyed to the selectors that they want to look beyond the 37-year-old Wriddhiman. Incidentally, KS Bharat, who kept wickets as a reserve keeper in the series against New Zealand, impressed everyone with his glovework.
“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 source privy to developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“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, may be that’s the reason, Wriddhiman had informed 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.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has already been confirmed as the first-choice wicket-keeper and the management is keen to give exposure to KS Bharat.
Incidentally, Wriddhiman Saha rose into prominence after MS Dhoni stepped down from the red-ball format in 2014. He has affected 92 catches and 12 stumpings in 40 Test matches.
The right-handed batsman has scored 1353 runs at an average of 29.41, including three centuries and six fifties. The talented wicket-keeper also represented India in nine ODIs.