Out-of-favour India wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha isn’t thinking about his national comeback and is solely focusing on doing well for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
Recently, Rahane made his way back into the Indian team for the World Test Championship (WTC) final thanks to his exploits in domestic cricket and for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2023 season.
“He (Rahane) might have been reconsidered because he has done well. But I’m only focused on doing well for GT as of now,” Saha told reporters, when asked if he’s also eyeing an India comeback.
Wriddhiman Saha’s last Test appearance came in December 2021 as he was asked to “move on” by the Indian team management. Later, Saha also ended his 15-year association with home state Bengal and shifted base to Tripura as mentor-cum-player.
“Kolkata is my home, I’ve played many matches here. Now, I’m playing for an away team. Motera is my home (in IPL). Conditions are different.”
While the wicketkeeper batters with a slam-bang approach are on the rise ever since the advent of T20 cricket, Saha’s method is different.
“I’ve always been a wicketkeeper first, then a batter. I still have the same belief in me. I don’t know about other keepers. In my point of view, someone who does well as a wicketkeeper and then contribute for the team is better,” he said.
Saha has provided GT with a brisk start in the ongoing IPL, but he has failed to register a big score yet.
“I always tried to give a good start. I’m happy if I get the team momentum. A hundred does not matter if your team goes on to lose. I’m happy with scoring a 25 or 50 if the team wins.”
Earlier this season, GT suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of KKR as Rinku Singh smashed Yash Dayal for five sixes in a row in the final over to seal the deal.
“Such things happen once in 1000 or one lakh matches. It was Rinku’s day, not Yash’s.”
Since that match, Yash Dayal is down with illness and has not featured in any of GT’s game.
“His illness has nothing to getting hit for five sixes. It’s not game related.
“He has been suffering from heat fever. He has been unwell. Mentally he is okay. You have to face such situations.”
“He didn’t get his yorkers right that night. We all have boosted him up. He’s better now. There is no connection with this match,” Saha said.
(With PTI Inputs)
