In the recently-concluded Test series against New Zealand, the team management selected Rishabh Pant over the world-class wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha. The later was praised for his wicketkeeping skills in the home series against Bangladesh and South Africa. So, the decision to drop him from playing XI was questioned by many cricket pundits.
Pant has edge over Saha because of his batting skills. Saha averages 30 in Tests while Pant averaged above 40 at the start of the New Zealand Tests. Pant had also scored centuries in Australia and England. Whereas, at that time, Saha was suffering from an injury which has given place to the youngster in the team.
While in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy 2019-20, Saha proved that he has no less skill with the bat. He scored crucial 64 runs to lead his team to the respective total.
You have to go by team management decision: Wriddhiman Saha
The wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman was asked whether he was informed about his snub from the playing XI.
The 35-year-old didn’t shy to speak the truth about his selection while he addressed that he respects all the decisions taken by the team management.
“Normally, every player gets to know the squad before the match when the batting order is decided. I got to know after going there. It is not tough because you are still part of the team. You have to go by team management decision based on the conditions but yes, inside, you feel that hopefully, you will play since you played the last Test series.”
“I haven’t been informed anything personally yet. But I keep the team in front and individual choices later. If the team decides Rishabh will play, I will be fine with it as I want the team to win,” said the experienced keeper as quoted by Sportstar.
His good in Ranji Trophy finals against Saurashtra couldn’t help the Bengal to lift the trophy.
However, he showed he can be a reliable batsman for the team.