Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has pulled himself out of the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2022. According to a PTI report, he was categorically told by the new Indian team management that he will not be picked for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.

Ever since the emergence of Rishabh Pant in Tests, Wriddhiman Saha has found it difficult to regularly find a place in the playing XI. The wicketkeeper-batter no doubt is currently among the best wicket-keepers going across the world. 

But Pant’s superior batting skills along with improved keeping skills means Saha’s place in the squad has been under a cloud. With KS Bharat also in the mix, it’s pretty obvious the management would want to groom young legs as Pant’s backup in Indian Test side. 

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Saha was expected to play the upcoming Ranji Trophy, which will begin from 17th February, but the wicketkeeper-batter has pulled himself out of the tournament once he knew he will not be part of Team India’s future plans as they want to move on and create new backups alongside Rishabh Pant. 

The 37-year-old wicket-keeper was categorically told that he won’t be selected for the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka as KS Bharat will be given exposure with the Indian team.

“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. 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,” a senior BCCI source privy to developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The official added that during the meeting of Bengal's selectors it was conveyed that Wriddhiman Saha has informed that he shouldn’t be considered for the selection of Bengal for the Ranji Trophy. 

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“During meeting chairman of selectors Subhamoy had asked secretary and convenor of senior selection committee Snehasish Ganguly about Wriddhi's availability. They said that Wriddhi has informed that he shouldn't be considered for Bengal for Ranji Trophy for the season. It was a bit weird,” he said. 

Source highlighted that it’s understandable that if Saha is not going to play for India in Tests then there’s no reason for him to play Ranji Trophy. He added that with the wicketkeeper-batter being 37 years of age, it’s obvious that the team wants to have some fresh legs as a backup of Rishabh Pant. 

“It is understandable that if he is not going to play for India anymore in Tests, then why would he have the motivation to play Ranji Trophy after playing 40 Tests. While he might be feeling low, but at 37 and half years of age, it is only natural that team management won't want him as Pant's understudy,” said the source. 

Wriddhiman Saha has so far played 40 Tests for India and has scored 1353 runs at an average of 29.4. He also has three hundreds and 6 half-centuries to his name. It remains to be seen if the selectors will consider him in the future or not. 

(PTI inputs)