I Value The Two Half-Centuries Against New Zealand More Than This Century: Wriddhiman Saha
Feb 10, 2017 at 11:46 PM
Hailing the team management’s policy of backing the players in all situations, Wriddhiman Saha has said such policy motivates the players to do well.
The wicketkeeper-batsman, who was replaced by Parthiv Patel in the last three Tests against England, made a brilliant comeback by scoring a century in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh in Hyderabad.
“It’s a great plus for the players (knowing their status). Because after an injury hiatus, when someone makes a comeback, if he is clearly told that “as and when you recover, you will be back in the team,” the individual gets more motivated and that reflects in his performance,” he said.
Saha also had a word of praise for his competitor Parthiv Patel, who impressed during the England series .
“When I got injured, Parthiv came in and performed. Whenever he has got chances, he has performed. But may be, after my double hundred in the Irani Cup, selectors took a decision, which everybody needs to accept,” said the 32-year-old.
Saha strengthened his claim for a spot in the team by scoring a magnificent century in the Irani Trophy. When asked to compare his double ton in Irani Trophy and the century against Bangladesh, he said:
“This attack (Bangladesh) was more challenging than Gujarat attack as this one is an international attack. There is some difference but the approach was same like my second innings double hundred during Irani Cup. Initially, I got a reprieve but after that I carried on with positive intent. My aim was to bat as long as possible and contribute as much as possible for the team.”
Speaking on his skipper Virat Kohli who scored his fourth double century in Tests, he said:
“Whoever bats with Virat, he backs that batsman. He would always suggest us to play our natural game. He tells us “If you feel you can hit the ball, go for it. Not that if you are new to the crease you have to defend”. That’s why I tried playing that shot (referring to the missed stumping chance by Mushfiqur Rahim) but Virat said that it’s not a problem, if you again get a chance, hit it. He always gives you confidence which is a huge plus.”
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old rated his match-winning twin half-centuries against New Zealand at Kolkata last year as better knocks than the two centuries he has scored so far in Tests.
“I value the two half-centuries against New Zealand more because the team needed my contribution, needed partnerships and quality of (New Zealand) bowling was also good. We needed to set a target of around 300 and taking all these factors into account, those two knocks were vital,” he said.
Talking about the reprieve he had got when he was on four when Mushfiqur Rahim missed an easy stumping chance, Saha termed it as a destiny.
“Yes, I would term it luck as he tried but couldn’t hit the stump. When he got it right second time, I was inside the crease. So possibly, I was destined to get a hundred and that’s why he couldn’t effect that stumping,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the visitors were 41 for 1 in reply to India’s massive first-innings total of 687 for 6. Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque will resume the proceedings with the bat on the third day.