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Former Indian wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani feels that Wriddhiman Saha deserves an opportunity in recent times.

After MS Dhoni’s Test retirement at the end of 2014, the 34-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha gradually became a regular Test player for India till early January 2018. He was very consistent with his performances, both as a wicketkeeper and middle-order batsman.

Since his international debut in February 2010, Saha has played 32 Tests, and nine ODIs.

However, since January 2018, Saha battled with his fitness issues for a long time. Finally, he has now returned to regular cricket. Before the ongoing two-match Test series against the host Windies, Saha served for India A in this tour. In that two-match unofficial Test series against Windies A, Saha scored 66, 9 and 62 runs respectively.

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Though Saha is in the Test squad, he wasn’t selected in the recently concluded first Test against Windies at Antigua. The youngster Rishabh Pant played the wicketkeeper-batsman role for India in that Antigua Test. However, Pant hasn’t impressed with his recent performances.

Syed Kirmani believes that Saha deserves an equal opportunity.

Syed Kirmani, Wriddhiman Saha — Syed Kirmani (Image Credit: Google)

Kirmani told PTI, “Saha unfortunately had some injury problems. He has to be given equal opportunity. What’s the point of keeping him in the side, if you do not give him chance.

“We have to judge on pure performance. Saha came to Indian side following his consistency at domestic level. But when you’re out of picture, somebody else takes over your place, so the likes of Karthik and Pant came into the picture.

“Now we have to see who’s is more consistent on the field — be it in batting, wicketkeeping or in terms of all-round abilities.”

Windies and India will play the second Test of this series from 30th August at Sabina Park (Kingston).

Yeh abhi jhule main hai – Syed Kirmani about Rishabh Pant

Meanwhile, the young wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has disappointed with his inconsistent performances. Kirmani said that the 21-year-old needs to learn a lot.

Kirmani spoke about Pant, “Yeh abhi jhule main hai (He is still in his infancy). But he is God gifted but needs to learn a lot.

“It’s the most difficult position on the field. Not everyone can do keeping by just wearing a pair of gloves.”

Since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019, MS Dhoni is in the retirement speculation. Kirmani feels that everyone must stop talking about Dhoni’s retirement as only he should take this decision.

Syed Kirmani Believes Wriddhiman Saha Deserves Test Opportunity 1 — MS Dhoni (Image Credit: Google)

Kirmani said about Dhoni’s retirement speculation, “Leave him alone. There will be a time when he will retire, but we must stop talking about his retirement now.”