Veteran Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha recently shared his thoughts on the significance of domestic cricket following the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the BCCI’s annual player retainership list for the 2023-24 season.
The decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sparked discussions about the commitment of players to domestic competitions, with Saha offering his perspective on the matter.
Saha, known for his dedication to the game at all levels, stated, “That is BCCI’s decision and personal decision of concerned players. Forcefully, you can’t do anything,” reacting to the news of Kishan and Iyer’s omission from the contract list.
Both players have been integral parts of the Indian cricket team, including their participation in the 50-overs World Cup last year.
Highlighting his own approach to the game, Saha remarked on the equal importance he places on every match he plays, whether it be club matches, office matches, or international cricket.
“Whenever I am fit I play… I always treat a match as a match. All matches are equal for me,” he said, suggesting that such an attitude can only benefit a player’s career and, by extension, Indian cricket.
Saha also commented on the impressive performances of upcoming talents, particularly praising the batting of young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. Jurel’s contributions in the recent Test matches, including a player of the match award in Ranchi, were highlighted as examples of the bright future of Indian cricket. “His batting is outstanding, he won the last Test for the team,” Saha noted, applauding Jurel’s impact.
Through his statements, Saha underlined the foundational role of domestic cricket in a player’s development and the broader health of the national team. He pointed out the case of Sarfaraz Khan, who has amassed a significant amount of runs in domestic cricket over the last few years, as an example of the opportunities and recognition that domestic performances can bring.
As discussions around the BCCI’s contract decisions continue, Saha’s insights offer a reminder of the value of participation in domestic cricket. His comments highlight the importance of nurturing talent through these competitions and the need for players to seize every opportunity to play, regardless of the format. With a career spanning 40 Tests, Saha’s experiences and achievements reflect his commitment to cricket at every level, setting an example for both current and future players.
