IPL 2018: Wriddhiman Saha says keeping to Rashid Khan boosted his confidence

Saha is a regular wicket-keeper in Indian Test team.

Wriddhiman Saha | AFP

Wriddhiman Saha revealed keeping wickets against Afghanistan leggie Rashid Khan has improved his confidence. The Indian Test wicket-keeper and Rashid both play for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Indian Premier League 2018. 

Saha, praising the young wrist spinner, said that he doesn't get a chance to keep wickets against such outstanding bowler. "After a long time, I'm getting an opportunity to keep a bowler like Rashid. It's a good experience, he has got pace and turn," he said.

"In recent times, I've been keeping against the likes of Ashwin, Jadeja, Mishra or Kuldeep. Now after keeping against Rashid, I'm more confident," he added.

The Afghanistan spinner is currently at the peak of his career. He is ranked on top in the T20 format and 2nd in ODIs. Hyderabad franchise had used RTM card for their valuable asset. He was worth Rs 9 crore in the auction.

Saha is impressed with the consistency of the 19-year-old spinner. "He bowls consistently well. In T20s you don't get to keep much against a particular bowler but those are all vital. I'm trying my best to do well," the wicket-keeper said. 

Rashid has been lauded by many greats of the game. He is smart with the ball and that has helped the leggie a lot in the shorter format, where batsmen usually murder the slow bowlers.

"It's most about his pace variations. He bowls leg spin and mixes it up with a lot of googlies. With such a quick arm action, it's very difficult for batsmen to read them. You can say that as his strength," Saha added.

SRH is a strong bowling unit and they have shown their strength now and then. It was just another display of superb performance by their bowling unit at the Eden Gardens against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday. They restricted KKR to 138/8 and in reply chased down the target by 5 wickets. Thanks to a half-century by skipper Kane Williamson and his stand with Shakib Al Hasan of 59 runs. 

"The wicket (at Eden Gardens) was a bit double-paced. During bowling only it was apparent. The initial start was good but lost a few wickets," Saha said.

It was their third win from as many matches as SRH maintained their top spot in the table. "Our target is to go match by match, and we are looking in that direction only. I've been given a new role to open and asked to play with freedom. I'm trying that only. Overall it was a complete team performance, we did well in batting and bowling," he said.

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 15 Apr, 2018

    Share Via