Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha will miss Bengal’s opening two Ranji Trophy matches against Uttar Pradesh and Punjab after being advised by India head coach Anil Kumble to take some time off the cricket field.

Ever since Mahendra Singh Dhoni retired from the longest format of the game, Saha has become a regular in the Indian team. His brilliant performances in the last two Test series against West Indies and New Zealand means he has now cemented his place in the playing eleven.

After impressing one and all by scoring a century on the West Indies tour, the wicketkeeper-batsman proved his worth by scoring two half-centuries in tough situations at Eden Gardens against New Zealand to bag the Man of the Match award.

With a busy schedule ahead, Saha’s fitness will be key to India’s fortunes and head coach Anil Kumble is well aware of that fact.

Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary revealed the news ahead of his team’s opening match against Uttar Pradesh at Jaipur.

“I have been informed that chief coach Anil Kumble has advised Wriddhiman to take rest after three back-to-back Test matches. He is not expected to play in the first two Ranji Trophy games for Bengal. He has had a lot of workload and with the England Test matches coming up, it is only fair that he gets adequate rest,” Manoj Tiwary told PTI.

The wicketkeeper-batsman is expected to return to action for Bengal against Railways from October 27-30. That game will act as good match practice ahead of England series. Saha is one of the most important players for the Bengal team but considering the fact that India will play as many as 10 Tests in the coming months,

Saha is one of the most important players for the Bengal team but considering the fact that India will play as many as 10 Tests in the coming months, Bengal will have to learn to live without him.