Indian Test specialist wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha, who was in the sideline from cricket since the completion of IPL 2018, is eyeing to return to the game during the upcoming unofficial Test series between India A and England Lions.
For a long time, Saha is facing the fitness issues. Since the beginning of previous calendar year (2018), Saha is struggling continuously to maintain his match-fitness level as he is facing various injuries in quick time. While he had a hamstring injury during last South Africa in early 2018, he picked a thumb injury during the IPL 2018 and later he faced a serious shoulder injury that needed surgery in Manchester.
Since the last May, the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2018, Saha hasn’t played any professional cricket match till the date. Currently, he is in the rehabilitation period.
Also read: Adam Gilchrist Gives The Solution To Pick Between Saha And Pant
The 34-year-old Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Saha is now eyeing to return to the game during the upcoming home unofficial two-match Test series between India A and England Lions. While the series is going to begin on 7 February, after the completion of the ongoing List A series, Saha hopes to become match fit before the series. However, he is assured that he will play the upcoming IPL 2019.
Saha recently told Sportstar, “It will be great if I could be fit to play in the India A day-games against England Lions. If the fitness is up to the mark, then only I will be available. I am almost there.
“I will definitely be fit for IPL but my immediate target is to be fit for the India A games. I can only play when there is not even one per cent doubt. The physio will be able to tell better. If I am fit, I will be going there only. I am also looking at the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 for Bengal.”
Also read: Wriddhiman Saha Requests Everyone To Avoid Baseless Rumours
In Saha’s absence, the youngster Rishabh Pant has already impressed with his both batting and wicketkeeping skills and has put a serious challenge to the senior Test wicketkeeper.
Talking about his competition with Pant, Saha said, “I have seen Rishabh in bits and pieces. He has done really well. Whoever will deliver for the team is good for the country.”
Also read: Know About Isha Negi – The Soul Mate Of Rishabh Pant
Saha believes that the wicketkeepers need stronger fitness than the batsmen as he is now match-fit as a batsman and getting closer to match-fit as a wicketkeeper.
Saha quoted about that, “If I wasn’t a wicketkeeper, I would have probably been fit 45 days ago. I think that’s a difference between a batsman and a ‘keeper. You always need to be ready for those dives when needed. If you aren’t match ready, you will be found out and later on, that isn’t a good feeling for a player.”
Also read: Sarfraz Ahmed Suspended In Four International Matches For His Racial Comment
As India’s next Test series will be in the upcoming new cricket season, Saha has enough time to get fit. Meanwhile, Saha has welcomed the World Test Championship which will begin in this calendar year, after the completion of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
He said about the Test Championship, “It is a great thing. Everyone will be play in different conditions, which is the best part. It will be a new challenge.”
