Wriddhiman Saha recalled getting sidelined from the Indian Test squad in 2021, saying that he was hoping to be a part of the side for 2-3 years more.

Saha, who represented India in 40 Tests and 9 ODIs, called time on his professional cricket career following the Bengal versus Punjab Ranji Trophy fixture on Saturday (February 1).

In an exclusive chat with India Today after the Ranji game, the 40-year-old revealed that it was the team management at the time that decided not to retain him in the side as they were looking for long-term options.

Saha didn't have any second thoughts after realizing that the team management has moved on from him and he decided to focus on the IPL and domestic cricket.

"The team management decided not to keep me in the team. I had planned to play for some more time. I thought I would play 2-3 years more for India, but unfortunately, they looked for long-term players and had different choices. There's no second thought, and I had to focus on IPL and domestic cricket," said Saha.

Reflecting on his career, Saha said that enjoyed playing the sport and tried helping everyone in the team. The wicketkeeper-batter also remembered the highs and lows he has faced in the game.

"I've enjoyed playing cricket so far. I tried to help everyone in the team. There have been ups and downs, but I remember them every time," he stated.

Saha played under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli during his career and was asked to choose his favourite amongst the three.

In reply, he said: "I've played a lot under Virat Kohli, and whoever plays under a captain tends to like them. Virat developed as a captain day by day. Dhoni was very cool, and Dada (Sourav Ganguly) had excellent game-reading abilities. I liked all the cool captains."

Saha also backed the struggling star duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to bounce back. "Normally, it happens. India has always been at the top. Ups and downs are part and parcel. Virat and Rohit are world-class players, and they will make a comeback from their bad patches," he remarked.

Saha also extended his support to India head coach Gautam Gambhir following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy debacle Down Under.

"It's a tough job, and we're going through rough patches. Gautam Gambhir's nature is to come back stronger, and I'm sure he will," he stated.

After hanging up his boots, Wriddhiman Saha revealed that he is open to taking up coaching opportunities. He did receive an offer from KKR but decided not to accept it as he didn't have the adequate experience for the job at the time.

"If I get a good offer, I'll think about it. I'm currently coaching at two-three places and spending time with children. I had an offer from KKR, but I refused, saying I need to gain more experience as a coach to do justice to the job," said Saha.