India skipper Virat Kohli has confirmed that, Wriddhiman Saha will keep wickets in the upcoming South Africa Test series starting from Wednesday (2 October). Saha last played for India in 2018 in South Africa before he was replaced by Rishabh Pant after he suffered a shoulder injury.

While talking about selecting Saha over Pant, Kohli said, “His (Saha's) keeping credentials are there for everyone to see. He's played well for us whenever he's got a chance with the bat for us also. It was unfortunate that he was out for such a long period with an injury. In these conditions, and with what he's done for us in the past, he'll start for us.”

The 30-year-old then revealed that Saha was close to playing in the West Indies Test series as well but they felt that this (SA series) was the best time to bring him back into the mix.

“Although Saha was almost going to start, we felt that it was better to let him ease back into things rather than forcing him to start immediately. We all felt that he's just come back, although he's keeping well, he's batting well, we felt that it was fair to give Rishabh a few more opportunities because of what he has done in the past season for us,” Kohli added.

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The right-hand batsman then made it clear that Saha being a pure wicket-keeper was always backed to play for India in Tests.

“Saha was always someone who we would back as a pure keeper in Test cricket. He's done well under pressure situations for us. It was all about finding the right opportunity and the moment to bring him back in,” the Delhi-based batsman said.

(With Cricbuzz inputs)