Wriddhiman Saha stands out as one of the few players who has featured in every Indian Premier League (IPL) season since the tournament’s inception in 2008.
Wriddhiman Saha’s storied Indian Premier League career
Over the years, he has represented five different franchises: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Gujarat Titans (GT). His extensive experience in the league includes 170 matches in which he has accumulated 2,934 runs at a strike rate of 127.57. Saha’s impressive record boasts one century and 13 half-centuries, underscoring his ability to contribute valuable runs as a wicketkeeper-batter.
Departure from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2025
Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Saha was not retained by Gujarat, signaling his potential entry into the auction pool. His departure opens up speculation regarding his future in the league. Despite the non-retention, Saha’s vast experience and reliable performances make him an attractive prospect for teams seeking a seasoned player with both wicketkeeping prowess and a consistent batting record.
As one of the most experienced and adaptable players in IPL history, Saha’s name in the auction pool is likely to garner attention. Teams looking for a dependable wicketkeeper-batter who can provide stability and leadership in the middle order may find Saha’s skill set invaluable. His ability to contribute under various playing conditions and his familiarity with different team environments could make him a sought-after asset as franchises prepare for the new season.
Wriddhiman Saha’s IPL earnings since his debut
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (2008-2010)
Saha began his IPL career with the KKR, where he played from 2008 to 2010. In these formative years, Saha mainly served as a backup wicketkeeper and provided stability in the lower-middle order. While KKR struggled to find their rhythm during these seasons, Saha’s performances showed promise, setting the groundwork for his future roles in the league.
- 2008: Rs 1,200,000
- 2009: Rs 1,200,000
- 2010: Rs 1,200,000
2. Chennai Super Kings (2011-2013)
Saha moved to the CSK from 2011 to 2013, joining a star-studded squad under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Though his opportunities were limited due to Dhoni being the primary wicketkeeper, Saha made the most of his chances, contributing as a middle-order batters. His experience as part of the successful 2011 championship-winning campaign improved his understanding of playing under pressure and added to his value as a dependable team player.
- 2011: Rs 4,600,000
- 2012: Rs 4,600,000
- 2013: Rs 4,600,000
3. Punjab Kings (2014-2017)
Saha’s most impactful stint was with the PBKS (then Kings XI Punjab) from 2014 to 2017. He cemented his reputation with a sensational century in the 2014 IPL final, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a final. Despite Punjab’s loss, Saha’s innings (115 not out off 55 balls) remains one of the most memorable performances in IPL history. Throughout these seasons, he was a vital member of the squad, balancing his solid wicketkeeping with timely batting performances that contributed to the team’s overall competitiveness.
- 2014: Rs 22,000,000
- 2015: Rs 22,000,000
- 2016: Rs 22,000,000
- 2017: Rs 22,000,000
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4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018-2021)
Saha joined SRH in 2018, where he played until 2021. His tenure with SRH included moments of brilliance, particularly when he opened the batting during the 2020 season. Saha’s aggressive approach in the powerplays provided a fresh boost to SRH’s top order. Although injuries affected his consistency, he remained a valuable asset for his ability to adapt and deliver under pressure, showcasing his flexibility and experience.
- 2018: Rs 50,000,000
- 2019: Rs 12,000,000
- 2020 (Retained): Rs 12,000,000
- 2021: Rs 12,000,000
5. Gujarat Titans (2022-2024)
Saha joined the newly formed Gujarat in 2022 and quickly established himself as an essential member of their playing XI. His role as an opener in the team highlighted his consistency and experience, contributing to the Titans’ solid starts and successful campaigns. His performance and calm demeanor brought stability and depth to the team’s batting lineup, helping the franchise achieve significant milestones.
- 2022: Rs 19,000,000
- 2023 (Retained): Rs 19,000,000