Wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha, who returned to Bengal after spending two seasons with Tripura, expressed his desire to play all three formats for the state in the upcoming domestic season.
Notably, Saha had parted ways with Bengal in 2022-23 following a tussle with Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) secretary Debabrata Das, who claimed that the cricketer was making excuses to avoid playing for Bengal.
However, Saha on Monday (August 12) said he has moved on from the post and is currently focused on doing well in the forthcoming season.
"I am happy and excited to be back in Bengal. I am looking forward to playing and giving my best for the state. As of now, my plan is to play in all three formats for Bengal, and it will depend on how things go ahead in the season," Saha said during a press meet at the Eden Gardens.
Wriddhiman Saha was accompanied by the Cricket Association of Bengal president Snehasish Ganguly and secretary Naresh Ojha.
Speaking about Saha's return to Bengal, Snehasish said, "It is a matter of great joy to welcome Wriddhi back in Bengal. He has served us a lot in the past. I hope his return will strengthen the team, and Bengal will aim for a better performance in the upcoming season. I wish Wriddi the very best for the forthcoming season."
Saha, 39, credited former India skipper Sourav Ganguly for helping settle things between him and CAB.
"Bengal now has a blend of both youth and experience. I hope this combination will help in building a strong team. As a team, we are not looking too far ahead, rather focusing on our job at hand and preparing well for the season," he stated.
When enquired about his age and retirement, Saha said, "Age is just a number for me. As long as I am motivated to play this game, I will continue playing. I have no plans for retirement as of now. As and when I think of quitting the game, I will retire from all formats of the game."
Talking about his role alongside young wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel, who has already established himself in the team, Saha remarked, "I will do anything possible for the betterment of the team. I will always be a team man, and I am ready to do what is best for the team and also, help prolong the cricketing career of a talented player like Abishek."
Wriddhiman Saha, who became out-of-favour after the emergence of Rishabh Pant in the Indian team, has represented the country in 40 Tests, scoring 1353 runs with three centuries and six fifties. He also played 9 ODIs for India, but failed to leave a notable mark.
(With IANS Inputs)
