Wriddhiman Saha withdraws from Bengal’s Ranji campaign after BCCI dismisses him from Sri Lanka tests

Wriddhiman Saha, India’s senior wicketkeeper, has pulled out of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy campaign after being informed unequivocally that he would not be selected for India’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on March 4 in Mohali. It is reported that the new team administration has informed the national selectors that Saha, who is regarded as one of the best glovesmen in the world, is no longer a viable option.

Rishabh Pant has already been named as the team’s chosen keeper for the next few years, while Kona Bharat was impressed in the Kanpur Test against New Zealand with his glovework.

According to the Hindustan Times, a senior BCCI official gave these details. The source says, “Influential members of the team management have informed Wriddhiman emphatically that they want to move on and find fresh back-ups for Rishabh Pant. He was told that he would not be selected for the Sri Lanka Tests because it was time for Kona to earn his fair share of playing experience with the senior squad. Perhaps this is why Wriddhiman advised Cricket Association of Bengal president Abhishek Dalmiya and joint secretary, Snehasish Ganguly, that he would not participate in the Ranji Trophy this season due to ‘personal concerns.’ Because he was unavailable for selection, the selectors did not choose him.”