Wriddhiman Saha made a resounding comeback to competitive cricket in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after being out of competitive cricket due to shoulder surgery last year and he is now ready to play an opener for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019.
He has amassed 306 runs in 11 Mushtaq Ali Trophy games and is confident to make an impression in the crucial IPL 2019 to return to national contention after being out of action for last one year.
Saha told PTI on Wednesday, “Of course, I would love to open in the IPL but the decision is totally up to the team management. I have returned after so many months. So, this IPL has an added significance.”
India's premier Test wicketkeeper, Saha, missed a lot of cricket due to the career threatened shoulder injury and during that period young Rishabha Pant a significant impact in the national side.
However, the Bengal gloveman is not concerned with Pant and even he is not insured with the emergence of Delhi gloveman regarding his comeback chances to India team.
He further went on to explain, “I was not insecure. Being a sportsman, you always run the risk of getting injured. The aim was to be fully fit and return stronger. I was out with an injury. Rishabh grabbed his chance and scored runs on a consistent basis. Now my aim is to get back to form and try to make a comeback in the Indian line-up. That's purely my focus and I have stressed before and I want to make it clear that there is no competition with Rishabh.”
On his comeback matches, Saha said, “In the first few matches, I batted down the order. When I came on to the crease, there were a few overs left. So, I had no time to settle and had to play big shots. Twice, I was run-out. I am satisfied with my performance but yes it can always be better.”
After the IPL 2019, Saha will gear up to fight for the wicketkeeper's slot for the inaugural World Test Championship matches in the West Indies. He signed off by saying, “The team selection is up to the management. The management will decide whatever is best for the team.”
(With PTI Inputs)
