The Story:
Wriddhiman Saha has smoothly established himself as the best wicket keeper in India. The Bengal star has become one of Virat Kohl’s most trusted aides and has rarely been out of the Test unit in recent times. In return, he has repaid the faith with impressive performances behind the wickets as well as a middle order batsman.
Saha will be seen in action again during the tour of Sri Lanka once against after enjoying a break following the culmination of the highly successful home series.
In a chat with TOI, the 32-year-old spoke about the role Virat Kohli has played in his progress his opinions about new coach Ravi Shastri and Sri Lanka’s highly deceptive playing style.
India’s No.1 Wicket Keeper
Saha has gained immense respect from his skipper Virat Kohli who has constantly backed him as the most preferred guy behind the sticks. Speaking of Kohli’s belief in him, the 32-year-old said that it feels good to be recognised as one of the important members of the current side.
“I am aware that I have become an important member of the side as Kohli has given me the freedom to alter the field. It is for this reason too that he relies on me and the bowler’s judgment for DRS.”
Saha will remember the 2016/17 home season as one of his most successful times of his cricketing career. He says that consistency has paid off big time for him.
“It was a crucial season but then I never felt any pressure. Even when I got injured, I was confident of making a comeback. It was a result of the positive mindset which Kohli has imbibed in the team. But I am not dwelling in the past. All I can say is that I am more assured of my place in the Test side now.”
Wary of highly motivated Sri Lanka
‘Test specialist’ Saha was out of sights for some time as India made itself busy with the Champions Trophy 2017 and the limited overs tour of West Indies. However, the wicket keeper will see in action again when India take on host Sri Lanka in the upcoming 3-match Test series.
“My preparation for the series took a hit because of the rains in Kolkata. I could only do indoor nets apart from playing in some club matches. So I have to work doubly hard now as we will be playing in an away series after a long time. Despite Sri Lanka’s recent performances, we cannot afford to take them lightly. With nothing to lose, they will be highly motivated to do well against us.”
Anil Kumble was brainy; Shastri a good motivator
Like all of us, Saha witnessed the entire coaching saga take place from the sidelines sitting in Kolkata although he was a part of the side which Anil Kumble led as the head coach. Kumble’s resignation, his parting letter on Twitter and BCCI’s introverted selection process caused a good amount of drama.
However, all those matters have now been rested for good after the appointment of Ravi Shastri. Saha has the experience of working with both the individuals as he was a part of the team when Shastri was the Team Director and also when Kumble was the coach.
Speaking about the experience of working with Kumble, he said: “Kumble was all about technical inputs. He told me to change my stance a bit and it helped immensely. At this level, the coach cannot teach you everything. But then, his role becomes important from the outside. Often, the players would react in the heat of the moment and might not be able to execute the plans. So Kumble used to analyse our mistakes and gave us inputs on where we could improve. He was quite frank about his views and I never felt that the dressing room atmosphere was tense under him. We shared a very open relationship.”
Saha was also looking forward to working with former Team Director and newly appointed Head Coach Ravi Shastri.
“Shastri has a very positive mindset and is a great motivator. He has good rapport with every member of the squad.”