Wriddhiman Saha will replace Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper for India in the first Test of the 3-match series against South Africa starting on October 2. On Tuesday Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli confirmed about the inclusion of Saha.
About the replacement Kohli said, “Yes, we felt like Rishabh given the opportunities had done well. Although Saha was almost going to start, we felt that it was better to let him ease back into things rather than forcing him to start immediately. We all felt that he’s just come back, although he’s keeping well, he’s batting well, we felt that it was fair to give Rishabh a few more opportunities because of what he has done in the past season for us.”
He explained why Saha is getting this opportunity stating him as the best keeper in the world currently. “Saha’s keeping credentials are there for everyone to see. He’s played well for us whenever he’s got a chance with the bat for us also. It was unfortunate that he was out for such a long period with an injury, and according to me he’s the best keeper in the world. In these conditions, and with what he’s done for us in the past, he’ll start for us.”
He also added, “Saha was always someone who we would back as a pure keeper in Test cricket. He’s done well under pressure situations for us. It was all about finding the right opportunity and the moment to bring him back in. You need to be wary of these things in a team environment where you understand when to bring a player back or when to give another guy more opportunities.”
According to Indian captain, “I feel for now it is the right time for Saha to come back and get into his own and we all know what he can do with the gloves and with the bat as well under pressure situations.”
In 32 Tests, Wriddhiman Saha has scored 1164 runs including three hundred and five fifties. Post his last match against South Africa in Cape Town Saha was injured and Rishabh Pant was fulfilling the duty in his absence. The 21-year-old did his bit with the bat in England and Australia. In fact, he was being preferred and groomed across the formats accordingly to take over MS Dhoni in the future. But his shot selection in limited-overs irked the team management and eventually, Saha got the comeback call.