Former India wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has lately revealed that he turned down profitable teaching provide for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 from the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Wriddhiman Saha opens up on turning down KKR’s teaching alternative
Chatting with Sportstar, Saha emphasised that he needs to take his time earlier than committing to such duties. The 40-year-old defined that whereas he enjoys mentoring younger cricketers, he believes that anybody taking over a training position must be mentally and technically ready.
“All through my profession, I’ve believed that if somebody needs to take up an task, they should be completely prepared – each when it comes to preparation and mentality – solely then can they reach that position,” Saha stated.
Whereas Saha had expressed curiosity in teaching after retirement, he’s at the moment prioritizing spending time along with his household. He admitted that he acquired a suggestion from KKR to be an assistant coach however declined as he felt the timing was not proper.
“I’m not prepared for that type of teaching place but, which is why I turned down the provide from Kolkata Knight Riders. I’m positive it will have been a implausible alternative, however I wanted extra time earlier than committing to a full-fledged teaching position,” Saha added.
KKR, which is at the moment led by head coach Chandrakant Pandit, is but to announce replacements for Gautam Gambhir (mentor), Abhishek Nayar (assistant coach) and Ryan Ten Doeschate (fielding coach), who’ve all taken up roles with the Indian males’s cricket staff.
Saha’s ultimate match at Eden Gardens earlier than retirement
Saha, who had introduced his retirement from all types of cricket in November 2024, is ready to play his ultimate match for Bengal within the Ranji Trophy conflict in opposition to Punjab at Eden Gardens. Regardless of his presence, Bengal have already been eradicated from the quarterfinal race following a 283-run defeat in opposition to Haryana, who topped Elite Group C.
Saha made his worldwide debut in 2010 in opposition to South Africa in Nagpur, occurring to symbolize India in 40 Take a look at matches, the place he scored 1,353 runs at a mean of 29, whereas additionally effecting 92 catches and 12 stumpings. Although he was extensively considered probably the greatest wicketkeepers in world cricket, accidents and the emergence of Rishabh Pant as India’s first-choice Take a look at keeper restricted his alternatives.
Saha’s IPL success and contribution to Gujarat Titans’ title win
Saha additionally performed a vital position in Gujarat Titans’ (GT) IPL 2022 title-winning marketing campaign. Opening the batting for the staff, he scored 317 runs in 11 matches, offering strong begins on the high of the order. His means to soak up stress and speed up when wanted made him a helpful asset for Gujarat of their debut season. Though Saha’s worldwide profession didn’t attain the heights many anticipated, his contributions to Indian cricket – each on the home and IPL ranges – stay extremely revered. As he bids farewell to skilled cricket, his subsequent chapter stays open, with a doable teaching position sooner or later as soon as he feels able to tackle such duties.