India Test wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha came back to India after the first Test against South Africa at Cape Town, is on the verge of regaining complete fitness. An upper hamstring tendon injury before the start of the second Test forced barred him from playing any further in his first full-length tour outside the subcontinent.

India won’t be playing the longest format cricket anytime soon, but Saha’s improvement stands relevant for his Indian Premier League (IPL) duties come April. Sunrisers Hyderabad picked the specialist ‘keeper for Rs 5 crore at the auctions in January.

Also read: Wriddhiman Saha Registers His Name To The Elite List

During a recent interaction with Sportstar, Saha said, “My recovery is in the last leg and I will be fit in a few more days. I am currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and the medical team is assessing my progress on a daily basis. I can’t declare a time-frame like a week or 10 days. It depends on the physios and the several parameters of recovery. But the IPL is far away, I will be fit way before time.”

Wriddhiman was well aware of the proceedings in the middle and didn’t let the injury dampen his spirit. He said, “Injuries are a part of the game and you can’t do much about it. I felt bad that I had to be back but the team did well. We had chances in every Test match; yes, we could manage only one win but that’s fine as the series was great.”

Saha created a record in the Cape Town Test when he became the first Indian stumper to effect 10 dismissals (catches) in a Test match by breaking M. S. Dhoni’s record of nine.

Chahal and Kuldeep bowls with lot of heart

The talented gloveman also praised the wrist spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, for their spin web in the ODI series. He said, “Both of them are brave bowlers. They are utilizing their chances and proving their worth. They back their strengths, which is a good sign. I want them to keep performing.”

When asked about the feeling of stiff competition with keepers such as Parthiv Patel and Dinesh Karthik, Saha replied, “I don’t think as to who is coming into the team and who is not. When I get a chance, I try to put in my best. A player is selected on the basis of performance. I also share a great rapport with Parthiv and Dinesh. It’s not that we don’t talk to each other.”

Also read: Saha Clarifies The Myths About Team India

Wriddhiman Saha excited to play for SRH

There is no clarity on whether Saha will get any match practice to enhance his skills before the IPL, but he is excited to be a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad. He said, “I had no choices or wishes before the auctions. I am fine as long as I get to play. Sunrisers is a good unit and they have been consistent in the IPL.”

The highlight of his IPL career was his unbeaten 66-ball 115 in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. The next international assignment for Saha is the tour of England in August. Talking about the same he said, “I will think about it when the time comes. I like to live in the present. As of now, I have to switch my game and play according to the formats.”