Wriddhiman Saha is a former Indian international cricketer who built his reputation as a technically reliable wicketkeeper-batter. Born in Siliguri, West Bengal, he spent more than 17 years playing competitive cricket and represented India in Test and ODI cricket. His career is particularly remembered for his sharp work behind the stumps, calm temperament and ability to contribute valuable runs from the lower-middle order.
Saha made his international debut during an era when the wicketkeeper’s position in Indian cricket was strongly associated with MS Dhoni. Despite limited opportunities initially, he remained patient and continued performing in domestic cricket. After Dhoni retired from Test cricket, Saha became India’s regular red-ball wicketkeeper for a period and produced several important performances.
His career also included a memorable IPL chapter. In the 2014 IPL final, playing for Kings XI Punjab, Saha scored an unbeaten 115 and became the first batter to score a century in an IPL final. Years later, he became part of the Gujarat Titans squad that won the IPL title in 2022. The official IPL record confirms his 115 in the 2014 final and his role in several strong Gujarat Titans performances in 2022.
Who Is Wriddhiman Saha?
Wriddhiman Saha was an Indian wicketkeeper-batter who played Test matches and one-day internationals (ODIs) for the Indian cricket team between 2010 and 2021. In his 40 Test matches and nine ODIs for India, he earned particular acclaim for his wicketkeeping abilities in the longest format of cricket. In addition to being a highly successful domestic cricketer for Bengal, he also played for Tripura in two seasons before coming back to Bengal at the end of his career.
One of the strengths of Saha was that he would always play according to the situation and not seek publicity. His Test career had three centuries, but he had scored more than 7,000 runs in his domestic first-class cricket career.
Wriddhiman Saha Biography Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wriddhiman Prasanta Saha |
| Popular Name | Wriddhiman Saha |
| Nicknames | Wriddhi, Papali, Pops |
| Date of Birth | 24 October 1984 |
| Birthplace | Siliguri, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Former Cricketer |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-spin is listed in some biographical sources |
| Domestic Team | Bengal |
| Other Domestic Team | Tripura |
| International Debut | Test in 2010 |
| ODI Debut | 2010 |
| Test Matches | 40 |
| ODI Matches | 9 |
| IPL Matches | 170 |
| Wife | Debarati “Romi” Saha |
| Children | Anvi Saha and Anvay Saha |
| Retirement | 2025 |
| Major IPL Achievement | 115* in 2014 IPL Final |
| IPL Title | 2022 with Gujarat Titans |
Wriddhiman Saha Age and Birth Details
Wriddhiman Saha was born on 24 October 1984 in Siliguri, West Bengal. As of September 2026, he is 41 years old. He grew up in Siliguri and developed a strong connection with cricket from a young age.
His journey from local cricket to the Indian Test team was not immediate. He had to spend years playing age-group and domestic cricket before earning his international opportunity. His first-class career eventually became one of the strongest foundations of his professional journey.
Wriddhiman Saha Caste and Religion
Wriddhiman Saha’s caste is not reliably documented in authoritative public cricket records, so it would be inappropriate to assign a caste to him without a verified statement from Saha himself or a dependable source.
Wriddhiman Saha Early Life
Wriddhiman Saha grew up in Siliguri and started playing cricket at a young age. Interestingly, cricket was not always his only sporting interest. He has spoken about his fascination with Formula One and has described F1 as one of his favourite sporting interests.
During his early years, Saha played cricket with a tennis ball and initially bowled as a medium pacer. His transition into wicketkeeping became an important turning point. As he progressed into leather-ball cricket and competitive levels, his skills behind the stumps increasingly became one of his biggest strengths.
His rise was built on discipline rather than instant fame. Stories about his early days describe a player who spent long hours practising and remained focused on cricket even when facilities and resources were limited. His journey from Siliguri to India’s Test dressing room therefore became an example of a long domestic apprenticeship.
Wriddhiman Saha Education & Qualifications
Saha studied at Siliguri Boys’ High School. Biographical sources also associate him with Siliguri College of Commerce, although reports commonly describe him as not completing his college education.
Like many professional sportspeople, his education gradually took a secondary position as cricket became his main career. His formative years were strongly influenced by cricket coaching, age-group competitions and domestic cricket.
Wriddhiman Saha Family Background
Wriddhiman Saha was born into a family from Siliguri. His father is identified in biographical sources as Prasanta Saha, while his mother is Maitrayee Saha. He also has a brother named Anirban Saha.
His family played an important role during his early development. Saha’s rise was not an overnight success, and the support he received while moving from local cricket to professional cricket helped him continue pursuing the sport.
Wriddhiman Saha Height and Physical Stats
Wriddhiman Saha is generally listed at around 5 feet 7 inches tall. He has a compact athletic build that suited his role as a wicketkeeper. Quick reflexes, balance and hand-eye coordination were particularly important parts of his playing style.
| Physical Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Around 5’7″ |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Playing Role | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Fitness Requirement | High agility and reflexes |
Wriddhiman Saha Wife and Marriage Life
Wriddhiman Saha is married to Debarati Saha, who is also referred to as Romi Saha in several biographical sources. The couple got married in 2011 after being in a relationship for several years.
Saha has generally kept his family life away from excessive media attention. During his retirement message in 2025, he specifically thanked his wife Romi for being a pillar of strength throughout his career.
Wriddhiman Saha Children and Personal Life
Wriddhiman Saha and Debarati have two children, a daughter named Anvi and a son named Anvay. Saha has occasionally shared family moments publicly, but he has generally maintained a relatively private personal life.
Away from cricket, Saha has spoken about his interest in movies, video games and Formula One. He has also described spending time at home and with close friends and teammates as important parts of his life outside professional cricket.
Wriddhiman Saha Cricket Career
Wriddhiman Saha’s cricket career developed through domestic cricket before he became an international player. His early performances for Bengal established him as a dependable wicketkeeper-batter, while his IPL appearances helped bring greater attention to his abilities.
His international journey began in 2010. For several years, however, he had to wait for consistent opportunities because India’s wicketkeeping position was occupied by MS Dhoni. Saha continued improving his batting and wicketkeeping until he eventually became India’s primary Test wicketkeeper after Dhoni’s Test retirement.
Wriddhiman Saha Domestic Cricket Career
Saha made his first-class debut for Bengal during the 2007-08 season. His domestic career became the backbone of his professional development. He accumulated thousands of first-class runs and developed a reputation for being a technically sound wicketkeeper.
His domestic career later included a two-year stint with Tripura. He returned to Bengal for his final Ranji Trophy season and ended his playing career representing the state where his first-class journey had begun. His final first-class season concluded in early 2025.
According to the final available career figures, Saha played 142 first-class matches and scored 7,169 runs, including 14 centuries and 44 fifties. His highest first-class score was 203 not out.
Wriddhiman Saha International Cricket Career
Saha made his Test debut for India against South Africa in February 2010. His debut came unexpectedly after an injury affected the original team combination. He remained around the national setup for years before establishing himself as a regular Test wicketkeeper.
His international career eventually covered 40 Tests and 9 ODIs. He scored 1,353 Test runs, including three centuries and six fifties. His Test batting average was 29.41 and his highest score was 117.
Behind the stumps, he recorded 92 catches and 12 stumpings in Tests, numbers that demonstrate the importance of his wicketkeeping contribution.
Wriddhiman Saha Test Career
Test cricket was the most important part of Saha’s international career. He became India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in red-ball cricket after MS Dhoni’s Test retirement and played an important role during India’s home and overseas Test campaigns.
Saha scored his first Test century during India’s tour of the West Indies. His Test batting was often based on patience, leaving the ball well and supporting the lower order rather than playing an unnecessarily aggressive game.
He finished his Test career with 1,353 runs from 40 matches, including three centuries and six fifties. His highest Test score was 117.
Wriddhiman Saha ODI Career
Saha’s ODI career was considerably shorter than his Test career. He played 9 ODIs for India and scored 41 runs in five innings, with a highest score of 16.
His limited-overs international opportunities were affected by competition for the wicketkeeper-batter position. Nevertheless, his ODI appearances formed an important part of his overall international record.
Wriddhiman Saha IPL Career
Saha was part of the IPL from its inaugural season in 2008 and remained involved with the tournament throughout his playing career. He represented several franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab/Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans.
His most famous IPL performance came in the 2014 final. Playing for Kings XI Punjab, he scored an unbeaten 115 from 55 balls. The innings made him the first batter to score a century in an IPL final.
Later in his career, Saha became an important opener for Gujarat Titans. In IPL 2022, he scored several useful innings, including 67 not out against Chennai Super Kings and 68 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gujarat Titans went on to win their maiden IPL title that season.
In IPL 2023, Saha again played a significant role for Gujarat Titans and scored 54 in the final against Chennai Super Kings, although GT eventually finished as runners-up.
Wriddhiman Saha IPL Teams and Salary
| IPL Team | Period/Association |
|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2008–2010 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 2011–2013 |
| Kings XI Punjab/Punjab Kings | 2014–2017 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2018–2021 |
| Gujarat Titans | 2022–2024 |
Historical IPL salary figures vary between databases because some sources calculate auction prices, retained amounts and season payments differently. Reported figures include a ₹2.2 crore acquisition for Kings XI Punjab in 2014, a reported ₹5 crore deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018, and ₹1.9 crore per season for Gujarat Titans in 2022–24. These should be treated as reported IPL salary figures rather than a definitive calculation of his total personal earnings.
Saha played 170 IPL matches and scored 2,934 runs, including one century and 13 fifties. He also contributed extensively as a wicketkeeper during his IPL career.
Wriddhiman Saha Career Statistics
Test
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 40 |
| Innings | 56 |
| Runs | 1,353 |
| Highest Score | 117 |
| Batting Average | 29.41 |
| 100s | 3 |
| 50s | 6 |
| Catches | 92 |
| Stumpings | 12 |
ODI
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 9 |
| Innings | 5 |
| Runs | 41 |
| Highest Score | 16 |
| Batting Average | 13.66 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 0 |
| Catches | 17 |
| Stumpings | 1 |
IPL
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 170 |
| Runs | 2,934 |
| Highest Score | 115* |
| 100s | 1 |
| 50s | 13 |
| Strike Rate | Around 127 |
| Catches | 92 |
| Stumpings | 26 |
First-Class
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 142 |
| Runs | 7,169 |
| Highest Score | 203* |
| Average | 41.43 |
| 100s | 14 |
| 50s | 44 |
| Catches | 346 |
| Stumpings | 38 |
T20
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 255 |
| Runs | 4,655 |
| Highest Score | 129 |
| Average | 24.24 |
| 100s | 2 |
| 50s | 24 |
| Strike Rate | Around 128 |
These statistics represent his career record through his retirement in early 2025. He did not play T20 Internationals for India; the T20 figures above refer to domestic/overall T20 cricket rather than T20I cricket.
Wriddhiman Saha Records and Achievements
Wriddhiman Saha’s career contains several notable achievements. His most famous batting record is his unbeaten 115 in the 2014 IPL final, which made him the first batter to score a century in an IPL final.
His wicketkeeping record is equally important. During the first Test against South Africa at Cape Town in January 2018, Saha took 10 catches in the match, at that time becoming the Indian wicketkeeper with the most dismissals in a Test match. He surpassed MS Dhoni’s previous Indian record of nine dismissals in a Test.
His career also included a first-class double century, multiple domestic centuries and a long run as India’s Test wicketkeeper.
Wriddhiman Saha 2014 IPL Final Heroics
The 2014 IPL final remains the defining batting performance of Saha’s career. Kings XI Punjab faced Kolkata Knight Riders in the final, and Saha walked into bat when Punjab were in early trouble.
Instead of becoming defensive, he gradually increased the scoring rate and attacked the KKR bowling. He eventually finished with an unbeaten 115 from 55 balls, including 10 fours and 8 sixes.
Saha became the first batter to score a century in an IPL final. Although KKR eventually chased down Punjab’s target and won the title, Saha’s innings became one of the most memorable individual performances in IPL final history.
Wriddhiman Saha Wicketkeeping Records
Wicketkeeping was arguably the most distinctive part of Saha’s cricketing identity. He was particularly admired for his footwork, hand position, reflexes and ability to collect difficult deliveries close to the stumps.
His 10-dismissal performance against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018 was a landmark moment. He took five catches in each innings and temporarily held the Indian record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a single Test match.
Across his 40-Test career, Saha recorded 92 catches and 12 stumpings. His overall wicketkeeping numbers underline how much value he provided even when his batting numbers were not the central focus.
Wriddhiman Saha Retirement
Wriddhiman Saha announced in November 2024 that the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season would be his final season of professional cricket. He returned to Bengal after spending two seasons with Tripura and wanted to finish his career representing the state where his first-class journey had started.
His final first-class match came for Bengal against Punjab at Eden Gardens in January 2025. Bengal won the match by an innings and 13 runs, bringing his competitive playing career to an end. Reports from the farewell match noted that he received a guard of honour from the teams.
Saha’s international career had already ended in 2021. His retirement from domestic and franchise cricket therefore represented the final closure of a career that had included 40 Tests, 9 ODIs, 170 IPL matches and more than 7,000 first-class runs.
Wriddhiman Saha Net Worth & Income Sources
Net worth of Wriddhiman Saha is said to be around ₹40-66 crores (around $5 million-$8 million USD). His major professional income sources during his playing career included IPL contracts, domestic cricket earnings, BCCI match and retainership payments during his international career, sponsorship opportunities and other cricket-related commercial activities.
His long IPL career was a significant source of earnings. He played in every IPL season from the tournament’s beginning in 2008 until his final season in 2024. Because historical salary databases differ in how they account for auction prices and retained contracts, reported lifetime IPL earnings should be treated as estimates rather than official financial statements.
Wriddhiman Saha Social Media
Wriddhiman Saha has maintained a public presence on social media, particularly through X, where he has used the handle @Wriddhipops. He has used social platforms to share career announcements, family moments and personal messages.
His retirement announcement in November 2024 was also shared publicly through social media, where he explained that the ongoing Ranji Trophy season would be his last.
Wriddhiman Saha Lesser-Known Facts
- Wriddhiman Saha was fascinated by Formula One from a young age and has spoken about his interest in the sport.
- Before becoming a specialist wicketkeeper, he played cricket with a tennis ball and bowled as a medium pacer.
- He became the first batter to score a century in an IPL final when he made 115* in 2014.
- Saha took 10 catches in the Cape Town Test against South Africa in 2018.
- He played for five IPL franchises during his career.
- He was part of Gujarat Titans’ title-winning IPL squad in their first season in 2022.
- His first-class career lasted roughly 17 years.
- He was particularly respected for his wicketkeeping technique and close-to-the-stumps work.
- Saha has spoken about enjoying movies, video games and Formula One away from cricket.
- His final professional cricket season was played for Bengal in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy.
Wriddhiman Saha Favorite Things
Saha has spoken publicly about several interests outside cricket. He has said that he enjoys Gujarati food and does not particularly prefer very spicy or oily food. He also enjoys watching Hindi, Bengali and English movies and has spent considerable leisure time playing PlayStation games with teammates.
| Category | Known Preference/Interest |
|---|---|
| Favourite Sport Outside Cricket | Formula One |
| Food Preference | Gujarati food |
| Movies | Hindi, Bengali and English films |
| Hobby | Video Games |
| Gaming Interest | FIFA/PlayStation |
| Favourite Wicketkeeping Inspirations | Adam Gilchrist, Ian Healy and Mark Boucher |
| Cricketing Inspiration | Adam Gilchrist was described by Saha as a favourite |
Wriddhiman Saha Career Highlights
Wriddhiman Saha’s career can be understood through a series of important milestones. He made his first-class debut for Bengal in 2007, entered international cricket in 2010 and gradually became India’s main Test wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket.
The 2014 IPL final established him as a major T20 performer when he scored 115*. His 2018 Cape Town wicketkeeping performance further strengthened his reputation as one of India’s leading glovemen.
In 2022, he became part of Gujarat Titans’ inaugural IPL championship campaign. He remained productive in the IPL in 2023 and played his final IPL season in 2024. His overall IPL career ended with 170 appearances and 2,934 runs.
Wriddhiman Saha Controversy
One of the most discussed controversies involving Saha came in 2022 after he shared screenshots of messages from a journalist following an interview request. Saha initially did not publicly name the journalist, but later identified Boria Majumdar during the BCCI inquiry.
The BCCI appointed a three-member committee to investigate the matter. Following its inquiry, the board imposed a two-year ban on Majumdar, stating that his actions were in the nature of threat and intimidation. The sanctions included restrictions on interviewing registered players and accessing BCCI or state association facilities.
The episode received considerable attention because it occurred shortly after Saha was left out of India’s Test squad. The controversy was separate from Saha’s on-field cricket achievements and did not alter his long-term playing record.
Conclusion
The entire cricketing journey of Wriddhiman Saha was centered on patience, consistency, and the art of being a specialist wicketkeeper. He had to bide his time behind one of India’s most prolific wicketkeepers in MS Dhoni until he got an opportunity to become a regular in the Test team. After securing this chance, Saha went on to establish himself as a trustworthy red-ball wicketkeeper who could add some value with the bat.
The 40 Tests played in the international arena, 170 appearances in the IPL arena, 7,169 first-class runs and a noteworthy century in the 2014 IPL final are the most important statistics in his career. His 10 catches during India’s tour of South Africa in Cape Town are still one of the best wicketkeeping displays in his international career.
Saha finally called it quits with Bengal in early 2025.
FAQs
Has Wriddhiman Saha retired from IPL?
Yes. Wriddhiman Saha retired from professional cricket after the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. Therefore, he is no longer an active IPL player. He did not participate in the IPL after his final 2024 season with Gujarat Titans.
Is Wriddhiman Saha a good batsman?
Saha was a capable wicketkeeper-batter, particularly in Test and domestic cricket. He scored 1,353 Test runs with three centuries and 7,169 first-class runs with 14 centuries. His unbeaten 115 in the 2014 IPL final also demonstrated his ability to play a high-impact innings in T20 cricket.
Why is Wriddhiman Saha not playing?
Wriddhiman Saha is not playing because he retired from all forms of competitive cricket. He announced in November 2024 that the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season would be his final season, and his last first-class match for Bengal came against Punjab in January 2025.
When did Wriddhiman Saha make his international debut?
Saha made his Test debut for India against South Africa in 2010. He later made his ODI debut in the same year.
How many Tests did Wriddhiman Saha play?
Wriddhiman Saha played 40 Test matches for India and scored 1,353 runs, including three centuries and six fifties.
How many IPL matches did Wriddhiman Saha play?
He played 170 IPL matches and scored 2,934 runs, including one century and 13 fifties.
What is Wriddhiman Saha’s highest Test score?
His highest Test score is 117 runs.
What is Wriddhiman Saha’s highest IPL score?
His highest IPL score is 115 not out, scored for Kings XI Punjab in the 2014 IPL final.
Which IPL team did Wriddhiman Saha play for most recently?
Gujarat Titans were Saha’s final IPL franchise. He represented the team from 2022 through 2024 and was part of their title-winning 2022 campaign.
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