Somebody’s loss can be somebody’s gain in sports. Similarly, Wriddhiman Saha’s loss was Rishabh Pant’s gain in the Test matches. Saha was ruled out with the hamstring injury on the tour of South Africa. Subsequently, it was discovered that the wicketkeeper-batsman will need to go under the knife for the shoulder injury.
In the meantime, India’s rising star Rishabh Pant was able to grab his opportunity with both hands. Pant took giant strides as he went on to score a century in England and Australia in arduous conditions. Thus, Pant confirmed himself as the first-choice wicket-keeper batsman in the red-ball format of the game.
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On the other hand, Wriddhiman Saha last played for India on the tour of South Africa. Saha’s wicket-keeping skills were never questioned as he has always been brilliant behind the stumps. However, the right-hander was not consistent with the bat.
Saha’s future looks bleak.
Saha has thus far scored 1164 runs in the 32 Test matches for the Indian team at an average of 30.63. He has been a regular part of the Indian Test side since the retirement of former skipper MS Dhoni.
However, there is no denying the fact that time is running out for the 34-year old gloveman. Saha will need to come up with solid performances in the upcoming fixtures to make the cut into the playing XI. Not only this would help, if there is a dry run for Rishabh Pant, then Saha would come into the reckoning. In fact, the Bengal player was selected for the tour of the West Indies but didn’t get to play in the last XI in either of the Test matches.
Meanwhile, Wriddhiman Saha will lead India A in the second unofficial four-day match against South Africa A. Thus, Saha will need to deliver the goods with both bat as well as the wicketkeeper to make a noise on the selection doors.
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Rishabh Pant is expected to get more opportunities as he has performed up to the mark. However, Saha needs to be patient and well-prepared for the next chance. After all, it is well said that luck is when opportunity meets preparation.
