Wriddhiman Saha joins Tripura for 2022-23 domestic season, likely to be named captain

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has formally ended his 15-year first-class tenure with Bengal by signing as the player and a mentor of the provincial team Tripura for the 2022–23 domestic season. Saha committed to the team on July 8 in Agartala, and he will probably be selected captain.

Saha had been in talks with the Tripura board officials for over a month, and he decided to move as soon as he received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) towards the end of June. Before the 2021–22 Ranji Trophy quarterfinals, Saha had requested an NOC after being offended by remarks made by a senior administrator.

Saha’s position is needed to be formalised by the Tripura Cricket Association as it is highly anticipated that he will be available for the full domestic season, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. In preparation for the forthcoming season, which is expected to begin in September, he is scheduled to participate in a number of camps.

Saha’s future in the Indian team blur

Saha is unlikely to play a for India after learning of the team management about position early this year. Saha last played a Test in December 2021, against New Zealand. Apart from Test cricket, he was recently seen in the IPL representing the champions side Gujarat Titans as an opening batter.

Saha, 37, has played 122 first-class games and has amassed 6423 runs at an average of 41.98. He has struck 13 centuries thus far, along with 38 half-centuries. Saha has also scored over 1300 runs at an average of 29.41 over the course of 40 Tests. He has said he is eager to keep playing cricket in all its forms despite the setback.

Last season, Tripura entered the knockout stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy as they stood at the topmost position in their group. Later in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the 20-over tournament, Tripura missed qualifying for the knockout stages. In the Ranji season, they managed to get only one point in three matches.