Being a wicketkeeper-batsman in India between 2008-2014 was not easy as that place in national team was blocked by MS Dhoni. So there was no chance of progression. All what wicketkeeper breed can utmost do, was to fight among themselves and keep them on fringes. And Wriddhiman Saha did it perfectly. He was always added to Indian squad for foreign tours as a cover for MS Dhoni. In that period only twice he donned Indian test cap. When MS Dhoni retired in 2014 it was then the moment arrived for Saha. His wicketkeeping was never in doubt, only matter of concern was his batting. Can he replicate Dhoni's success?
After Australia tour, Saha scored 220 runs in next eight matches. The numbers were underwhelming. In Anil Kumble first assignment as a coach, team management dropped Saha below Ashwin in batting order. Since then, in 13 tests Saha has scored 615 runs at an average of 47.30.
Several time he had bailed India from match losing positions. In St Lucia, he scored his maiden test match hundred which conveyed Saha belongs to this level. Against New Zealand, on seamers friendly pitch, he revived Indian innings thus helping them to win the series.
Every thing was going in right direction for Saha. But against England he suffered an injury which made him unavailable for three tests. In that moment Parthiv Patel filled the spot, he scored runs and gained the tag of " never say no attitude". Team management made sure that as soon as Saha is fit he will regain his spot. He did so against Bangladesh by smashing his 2nd test hundred.
In Ranchi, Saha made sure that Kolkata was not an aberration, if needed he can again stand up in time of adversity. When Saha arrived at pitch the deficit was 123 with just Jadeja and tailenders to follow him. Pat Cummins was in middle of fiery spell. At that point his figures were 53/4. Cummins playing his first test match after 6 years got KL Rahul with an awkward rising short ball, he dismissed Kohli with pace - lulled him to drive away from body. Rahane throw-ed his wicket in attempt to cut an innocuous short ball and Ashwin couldn't sway his bat out. This was not fun at all.
Saha is not a player who will defend for long time. Though he remained patient against Cummins but couldn't resist his temptation against SOK who was firing the ball in rough. He swept, paddle swept and jumped out to score three boundaries in final session of day 3. At stumps Saha was 18 off 42 balls. It looks as if Saha had taken too many risks to score this 18 runs.
On day 4, Saha was adjudged out on very first ball of second over off Pat Cummins. After discussion with Pujara he opted for review and the decision was overturned. Saha thumped the second ball through covers. This was his only boundary in first 20 overs of the day 4. Saha curbed his natural instincts and batted with restraint to combat a penetrative Australian attack.
His innings followed the same pattern. Saha reached 100 off 213 balls. When he got India's lead was 90. Therefore he put India in a position from where they can not lose this test. During this knock Saha overcame several limitations. For example, since he is predominantly a front foot player, he will be rushed by back of length deliveries but Saha calmly negated Pat Cummins. His front movement was assured. Saha doesn't look attractive while playing the shots. He doesn't quite have an aura of MS Dhoni but he always grinds to score important runs.
In Ranchi, at MS Dhoni's home ground, Saha made sure that he has filled MS Dhoni shoes and he is here to stay.
After Australia tour, Saha scored 220 runs in next eight matches. The numbers were underwhelming. In Anil Kumble first assignment as a coach, team management dropped Saha below Ashwin in batting order. Since then, in 13 tests Saha has scored 615 runs at an average of 47.30.
Several time he had bailed India from match losing positions. In St Lucia, he scored his maiden test match hundred which conveyed Saha belongs to this level. Against New Zealand, on seamers friendly pitch, he revived Indian innings thus helping them to win the series.
Every thing was going in right direction for Saha. But against England he suffered an injury which made him unavailable for three tests. In that moment Parthiv Patel filled the spot, he scored runs and gained the tag of " never say no attitude". Team management made sure that as soon as Saha is fit he will regain his spot. He did so against Bangladesh by smashing his 2nd test hundred.
In Ranchi, Saha made sure that Kolkata was not an aberration, if needed he can again stand up in time of adversity. When Saha arrived at pitch the deficit was 123 with just Jadeja and tailenders to follow him. Pat Cummins was in middle of fiery spell. At that point his figures were 53/4. Cummins playing his first test match after 6 years got KL Rahul with an awkward rising short ball, he dismissed Kohli with pace - lulled him to drive away from body. Rahane throw-ed his wicket in attempt to cut an innocuous short ball and Ashwin couldn't sway his bat out. This was not fun at all.
Saha is not a player who will defend for long time. Though he remained patient against Cummins but couldn't resist his temptation against SOK who was firing the ball in rough. He swept, paddle swept and jumped out to score three boundaries in final session of day 3. At stumps Saha was 18 off 42 balls. It looks as if Saha had taken too many risks to score this 18 runs.
On day 4, Saha was adjudged out on very first ball of second over off Pat Cummins. After discussion with Pujara he opted for review and the decision was overturned. Saha thumped the second ball through covers. This was his only boundary in first 20 overs of the day 4. Saha curbed his natural instincts and batted with restraint to combat a penetrative Australian attack.
His innings followed the same pattern. Saha reached 100 off 213 balls. When he got India's lead was 90. Therefore he put India in a position from where they can not lose this test. During this knock Saha overcame several limitations. For example, since he is predominantly a front foot player, he will be rushed by back of length deliveries but Saha calmly negated Pat Cummins. His front movement was assured. Saha doesn't look attractive while playing the shots. He doesn't quite have an aura of MS Dhoni but he always grinds to score important runs.
In Ranchi, at MS Dhoni's home ground, Saha made sure that he has filled MS Dhoni shoes and he is here to stay.
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