Wicket-keeper batter Wriddhiman Saha never really got a long rope in the limited-overs format for the Indian cricket team. Saha has been largely known for his credentials in the longest format of the game.
In fact, playing for the Indian cricket team, he only featured in just 9 ODIs and never really got an opportunity to play a T20I game despite being a regular member of Team India in Test cricket after making his debut in 2010. Till now, he has played 40 Test matches for team India.
One of the biggest reasons behind this was that Saha came in an era that was dominated by one man — MS Dhoni. The role of the keeper-batter for Team India was occupied by Dhoni for over a decade and his performances and impact of him didn’t allow anyone to replace him.
However, in Test cricket, Saha was the first choice keeper after Dhoni took retirement from the longest format of the game. But that role is now under threat with Rishabh Pant’s terrific performances in historic overseas wins.
Meanwhile, Wriddhiman Saha has finally hit back at claims that he is a red-ball specialist. He explained that despite not having the physique of someone like MS Dhoni or Andre Russell, he is a useful player in the limited-overs format due to his fearless approach, which makes him a valuable asset for the team. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Saha said:
“Don’t know why some people say I’m not a shorter-format player. But on my part, I’ve always liked to play shorter formats since my early years. I may not be having the physique of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Andre Russell or Chris Gayle. But the potential I have, I can make use of the Powerplay with my fearless attitude. And I’ve done that,”
Meanwhile, his comments didn’t go down well with the fans of MS Dhoni, who didn’t like the former comparing himself to the Indian legend.
Check out the reactions of fans to this:
Ab zyada ho raha hai
— Bittu (@iamwitman) May 6, 2022
If your bat would have spoken
There was no need of this explanation.
— Aditya (@Would57182076) May 6, 2022
But he hasn’t played with fearless attitude you have to look what @DineshKarthik is doing
— Sachin Prabhu (@Sachinvp2798) May 6, 2022
Just one fluke in 12-14 innings and declared himself same as MS, Andre and Gayle. All power hitters died a painful death
— Prashant Singh (@prash_88singh) May 6, 2022
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