As Professional Cricketers, We Need To Move Forward, Says Wriddhiman Saha
Dec 22, 2018 at 5:25 PM
India skipper Virat Kohli might have made his intentions clear that he is in no mood to forget the ill-tempered series against Australia but Wriddhiman Saha has insisted its about time that players ‘move forward’.
The just concluded four-series between India and Australia is undoubtedly one of the most fiercely series in recent years with Steve Smith’s men giving their fancied opponents a run for their money, before eventually losing the series 2-1. But despite such a world-class cricket at
Despite such a world-class cricket at the display, the series made headlines for all the wrong reasons. From sledging, banters, DRS controversy to Glenn Maxwell mocking the India skipper’s shoulder injury, the series saw it all.
Moreover, the Australian media and the former players consistently targeting Virat Kohli only made the matters worse. A hurt Kohli during the post-match conference of the Dharamsala Test had said he no longer considers the Australian players his friends.
However, Saha, who will be playing under the captaincy of Glenn Maxwell in IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab, said that the players should act professionally and move ahead.
“I do not look behind. As professional cricketers, we need to move forward. We will see and wait for the team instructions when I join the franchise,” Saha said. “I’ve always enjoyed sledging in any format of the game, even during domestic matches.”
When asked about Kohli’s ‘friendship’ comments, the India wicketkeeper said:“It was his opinion.”
However, at the same time, he blasted former Australia batsman Brad Hodge, who had questioned Kohli’s ethics after the India captain missed the final Test due to a shoulder injury. Hodge felt that Kohli gave the series-decider a miss to recover in time for the IPL.
“This is rubbish. He is not someone who will shy away from the action. He was not on the field but was constantly involved,” Saha said.
When asked about the series and Australia’s performance , he said:
“Their records suggest they are a tough side, and you get a lot of confidence after doing well against a team like Australia.”
The Bengal wicketkeeper played an integral part in the series victory, scoring a brilliant century in the Ranchi Test to put India in a commanding position. He also shared a 96-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja during the last Test which played a big role in deciding the outcome of the contest.