I Don’t Look at Rishabh Pant as My Competition – Wriddhiman Saha
Feb 19, 2019 at 2:24 PM
The preferred choice as a wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha for India in the Test fold has played down on having Rishabh Pant as his competitor. Saha has recuperated following his shoulder surgery which picked the injury during the twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He added the duo had enjoyed their time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore.
Saha says no rivalry:
Pertinently, Saha, who has shouldered the responsibility after MS Dhoni’s Test retirement in 2013, became a familiar name to look at in the national fold.
“I don’t look at him as my competition, in fact when he came to the NCA we spent a lot of time together which was nice,” Saha told CricketNext.
While quashing the rivalry, Saha has praised the efforts of his equivalent number Pant for grabbing the opportunity with both hands on donning the whites. He maintained they barely talk about the selection procedure.
“Rishabh got his chance when I was out and just like anyone would look to grab their chance with both hands he did the same. We hardly spoke about performances and selection,” Saha added.
In May 2018, the Bengal-based cricketer featured in his last game at his home ground Eden Gardens in Kolkata while representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Focusing on Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy:
However, the good news for Saha is his much-awaited return in the List A cricket. He is all set to represent his state-side Bengal in the impending Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting February 21.
Saha has made it to the 15-man squad of Bengal as Manoj Tiwary will lead the side.
Bengal will kick off the competition in the Group D fixture against Mizoram on the same day in Cuttack.
“Right now my focus is solely on helping Bengal do well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” Saha further said.
Besides, Saha has expressed delight to make a return following a close to nine months. He reiterated he didn’t felt to be away from the game, for too long.
“It definitely feels great to back in the mix after an injury layoff. Firstly for a sportsperson, there is nothing like the feeling of returning to the game and I don’t feel like I’ve been away for too long, rather just a couple of weeks or so, like a short break,” Saha said on his injury.
Saha on his return for India:
Saha is solely focusing on to make most of the opportunities on his return. He believes the selectors will take a call on his induction in the national fold. He added he is looking forward to contributing and
“My job is to play to the best of my ability and ensure I contribute to the needs of my team at all times. I feel the selection matters are not in my hand. So the main aim is to do well and then let things take its own course,” Saha concluded.
In South Africa, Saha managed to feature in a solitary Test before returning home. He has also expressed happiness on India’s historic Test series win by 2-1 in Australia.