Former Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was given a heartfelt guard of honour by his team and opposition during his farewell Ranji Trophy match against Punjab at Eden Gardens. This was a near-emotional end to a tremendous decade-long career by Saha for Indian cricket. As Saha walked out to keep the wickets on the first day and bat on the second day of the match, both the teams lined up to applaud him in recognition of his great achievements and the end of an era. The 40-year-old cricketer had earlier declared that he would retire from all forms of cricket at the end of this season and then repeated it saying that this would be his last match with Bengal. Also Read | Watch: Virat Kohli Getting Honored by DDCA for 100th Test In a poignant message shared on social media, he had earlier expressed his gratitude for the journey he experienced in cricket: “After a cherished journey in cricket, this season will be my last. I’m honoured to represent Bengal one final time, playing only in the Ranji Trophy before I retire. Let’s make this season one to remember!”. A special and emotional farewell 🫂Guard of honour and felicitation for Bengal wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha who is playing his final First-class match 👏👏#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @WriddhipopsScorecard ▶️ https://t.co/GAuG6Mqk8H pic.twitter.com/DGCJRh4QWT — BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) January 31, 2025 Saha's career is marked with magnificent statistics and memorable performances. With more than 141 first-class matches, he made 7,169 runs at an average of 48.68, which included 14 centuries and 44 fifties. As a wicket-keeper, his contributions were both remarkable as well; most people admitted that behind the stumps, he was one of India's finest glovemen. Saha debuted in Tests in 2010 and went on to play for India in 40 Tests, scoring 1,353 runs with three centuries. In a season supposedly ending in great celebration, Saha's final innings performance was bittersweet when he was dismissed for a duck after facing just seven deliveries. This short lived innings could not somehow totally disrupt the respect and awe that he garnered, both from fans and fellow players alike during the game with his standing ovation.