Wriddhiman Saha might miss the first Test due to fever
The first match of four Tests series of ‘Gandhi-Mandela trophy’ between India and South Africa at Punjab Cricket Association, Mohali is set to start from tomorrow (November 5).
Virat Kohli lead India, who are already facing a selection dilemma, now seems to be in trouble as the only specialist wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha looks set to miss the first match as the wicketkeeper-batsman found suffering from fever.
India are yet to decide their playing eleven for the first Test. But as Rohit Sharma has displayed good form at home in the ODI series and at the same time Cheteshwar Pujara carried the bat in the first innings of India in Colombo Test. Pujara scored unbeaten 145 that helped India to notch up an 117 run victory and that eventually led India to win the Sri Lanka series for the first time after 22 years.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma scored 50 runs in the second innings that also helped India to take a big lead over Sri Lanka. Along with Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane’s batting position is also a matter of concern.
Saha, who missed the final Test in Colombo due to injury, was replaced by debutant Naman Ojha.
If Saha fails to recover from the fever then part-time wicketkeeper KL Rahul will replace him. KL Rahul, who scored 108 opening in the second Test at P.Sara Oval, is a second choice opener for India. In the Sri Lanka series, Rahul played the final two Test matches as Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out from the match due to a fractured hand. Now, as both first choice openers, Dhawan and Murali Vijay, are fit; Rahul was unlikely to get a chance, but Saha’s fever will give an opportunity to play the sixth Test of his career.
Saha played a toiling hard 56 run innings at the P.Sara Oval Test that helped India to set 393 first innings total. Saha’s partnership with the tailender Amit Mishra played a key role to get a first innings lead of 87 runs.
South Africa have won the ODI series 3-2 for the first time in Indian soil and have a series unbeaten record since 2006 on foreign soil. So, they will have a psychological edge over India when the Test series commences. South Africa speed star Dale Steyn has already said that they have a clear plan for Indian players.