Broke into the Test arena after the retirement of mercurial MS Dhoni, Wriddhiman Saha has emerged as India's first-choice wicketkeeper when it comes to cricket's most traditional format. The retirement of Dhoni from Test cricket after the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne in 2014 opened the gates for the Siliguri-born who had long been considered as the understudy of the former. In his short international career, Saha has not only impressed the commoners but also the critics with his quick reflexes and acrobatic wicket-keeping skills. It is true that he has established himself more as a keeper than as a batsman in Team India. For many, his athleticism behind the stumps against fast-bowlers has not been seen in an Indian keeper in living memory. With limited batting abilities, the 33-year old batsman has learned to play within his boundaries and has achieved success on that front. In the cash-rich Indian Premier League, Saha was signed by Chennai Super Kings prior to the 2011 season after being a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders side in the first three editions. But, the diminutive keeper found his calling with Kings XI Punjab when he bludgeoned his way to a hundred in the final of the 2014 edition, and proved his worth with the blade in the shortest format. In this year's player auction, Saha was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 5 crores.
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Rishabh Pant was released to allow him some game time ahead of the limited-overs series against West Indies and Andhra Pradesh and India A regular KS Bharat will join the side as a back up for Wriddhiman Saha.
Wriddhiman Saha flew to his right to complete a stunning a catch in the Day-Night Test against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens.
Wriddhiman Saha also singled out Mohammed Shami for praise and said he can be deadly on any surface due to his ability to get reverse swing.
Ahead of the anticipated contest in Kolkata, Team India's wicketkeeper Wriddhiman, in conversation with India TV, gave an insight on this new variety of cricket ball, the difficulties in dealing with it and India's strategy for the match.
In a candid chat with India TV, Saha reveals that being of use to the team is more important to him than achieving personal landmarks.
Wriddhiman Saha's wife Roma opened up on his husband's mindset and how a positive thinking helped him come back to the Indian team during the South Africa series.
Saha said that he relishes challenges and this will definitely be one tough test as the Indian boys play their first pink-ball Test.
Wriddhiman Saha returned to the Test side in the first Test against South Africa in Vizag ahead of Rishabh Pant after returning from an injury.
Shami picked up 13 wickets in three Tests, the highest by a fast bowler in the series, while pace partner Umesh Yadav snared 11 in his comeback series
Saha was hit on his finger by a Ravichandran Ashwin delivery in the 27th over of South Africa's second dig and the 34-year old stumper was seen in some pain before walking off the field.
The sprightly Saha is often seen helping Pant with keeping drills after his own training, something that has been directed by the team managed.
In a span of two days, Saha, who is turning 35 within a couple of weeks, came out with extraordinary wicket-keeping skills and played a crucial role in India's emphatic win over South Africa.
Umesh Yadav picked up 6 wickets in the second Test against South Africa at the MCA Stadium in Pune.
Wriddhiman Saha made a gigantic leap to dismiss Theunis de Bruyn in the first session of Day 4, and skipper Virat Kohli was mightily impressed!
Unorthodox keepers and Kiran More go a long way as he was one of those pivotal in backing former India skipper M.S. Dhoni and the former chief selector feels that Rishabh Pant has an enviable record.
Wriddhiman Saha will don the whites in international cricket again when India takes on South Africa, while Rishabh Pant is sidelined after significant performances in England and Australia.
India will be fielding two spinners and pacers each while Rohit Sharma is set to open the batting in Tests for the first time in his career.
Wriddhiman Saha will be returning to the Test side for the first time since January 2018.
While the world accepts the fact that Pant is one of the most destructive batsmen at present, the general feeling is that his keeping still needs quite a bit of improvement.
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