IPL 2025: Disrespect to Shah Rukh Khan? MS Dhoni's successor rejects KKR’s coaching offer

The 40-year-old Bengal wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha has revealed that he turned down a coaching offer from the three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Wriddhiman Saha said that he politely declined the offer from the Shah Rukh Khan-owned IPL franchise because he is not yet ready to take over a full-fledged coaching role.

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Wriddhiman Saha announced retirement last year

The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha was regarded as the best wicketkeeper in India for a very long time. His work behind the stumps was exceptional and he was second to none.

Saha succeeded the legendary MS Dhoni in the wicket-keeping role in Test cricket when the latter decided to quit the longest format of the game in 2014. He was the first-choice wicketkeeper for India in Test cricket for several years before Rishabh Pant took away the spot from him.

Saha last played for India in December 2021 and was subsequently dropped from the team as then-head coach Rahul Dravid had told him that they were looking to groom a young keeper.

On November 4, 2024, Wriddhiman Saha announced his retirement from cricket. He stated that he would bring the curtains down on a 17-year career at the end of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season.

Wriddhiman Saha will take the field for the final time in professional cricket during the Bengal vs Punjab Ranji Trophy match, starting on Thursday, January 30.

IPL 2025: I turned down an offer to be assistant coach at Kolkata Knight Riders - Wriddhiman Saha

Speaking to Sportstar, Wriddhiman Saha said that the coaching offer from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was quite exciting, but he needs more time to prepare himself for the job. He elaborated:

“Throughout my career, I have believed that if someone wants to take up an assignment, they need to be absolutely ready — both in terms of preparation and mentality — only then can they succeed in that role.

“I’m not ready for that kind of coaching position yet, which is why I turned down an offer to be assistant coach at Kolkata Knight Riders. I’m sure it would have been a fantastic opportunity, but I had to decline because I knew I needed more time before committing to a full-fledged coaching role.”

I have believed that it is performance that defines a player, not PR - Wriddhiman Saha

The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Saha has always remained low-profile despite being one of the finest behind the stumps, and he believes that 'performance defines a player and not PR.'

Overall, in 40 Test matches, he scored 1353 runs for India National Cricket Team at an average of 29.41. Saha added that his numbers would have been better had he put his personal goals over team needs. He stated:

“Throughout my career, I have believed that it is performance that defines a player, not PR. At times, I feel that if I had prioritized myself over the team, my statistics might have looked better. But for me, the team always came first. I could have played fewer matches, but self-promotion was never my thing, and I’m glad I never had to change who I was."