Kolkata: It was just sometime ago that the Indian Test wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha played an absolute blinder of an innings against the eventual champions Mumbai Indians in his team’s penultimate match. He also opened the innings for his franchise in some matches which further gives him the confidence that he can bat at any position irrespective of the conditions, according to the demands of the team.
“I also can now bat in any position, from number one of number nine. Even in any match in a foreign country where pitches are fast and bouncy, I will not mind if I am asked to start the innings as an opener.”
He further went on to say that the 93 run innings against the Mumbai Indians has done his confidence a world of good.
“The IPL has helped me a lot to gain confidence, especially after my 93 off 55 balls against strong bowling line up of Mumbai Indians. In the shorter format of the game, you will not get time. It has to be ready made. But in a fifty over match and in the Test you will need to settle down with your patience and careful eye on the ball. So I feel it will not be difficult for me to bat as an opener also.”
The Tireless Wriddhiman
Tireless is the word which one could use to describe Wriddhiman Saha. He played an active part in India’s 2-1 win over Australia earlier this year and has had a hectic IPL schedule. Even after that, he seems to show no signs of tireness as he took the field for Mohun Bagan against East Bengal in their CAB First Division semi-final clash at the Jadavpur University Campus Ground in Salt Lake.
However this time, he wasn’t performing his usual role as the wicket-keeper but was seen fielding at the point region.
After fulfilling his duties as the wicket-keeper of his IPL franchise-Kings XI Punjab in the recently concluded tournament, the 32-year old from Bengal was seen occupying the field for the whole day, despite the scorching heat. Many other players took 3-4 breaks but the Saha was there on the field throughout the day, as the temperature soared up to over 39 degrees.
After the day’s play, he said, “Truly it is extremely difficult for anybody to play in this tremendous hot weather. But I always love to field and in any position,”
(With inputs from crictracker.com)