Rishabh Pant is Good but he has Room for Improvement - Wriddhiman Saha

In cricket, they say, ‘you’re as good as your last innings’ – Wriddhiman Saha seemed to have a take a note of it. Since he got injured, the India team has played three wicketkeepers – namely Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik and Parthiv Patel. Off all, Pant had shone with both bat and the gloves behind the wicket. Meanwhile, as Saha is deemed fit to play the IPL 2019, he talked about Pant gaining prominence and how he plans to embark his return to Test cricket.

Saha’s injury – a blessing in disguise for Pant

Even during MS Dhoni’s reigns in Tests, Saha had the reputation of being the better wicketkeeper. When MS took retirement in 2014, the Bengal cricketer became the first-choice keeper in the Test side. He did justice with the gloves, but he, falling short of scoring well hurt India on a few occasions. It was something no one seemed to talk about, but it was there for everyone to see.

Rishabh Pant then emerged on the scene sooner than later. As Saha sustained an injury during Afghanistan Test last year, he remained on the sidelines for England Tests as well. Dinesh Karthik, who was the preferred keeper played the first two Tests – failing to contribute with the bat. As a result, Pant made his debut in the third Test and took less time before hogging the limelight. In only his third Test, the youngster scored his maiden hundred at the Oval; breaking a lot of records.

Wriddhiman Saha talks about Pant’s strength

Later, on tour to Australia, he made a record of collecting most number of catches in a Test. Not only this, he scored a hundred at the SCG, remaining unbeaten on 159 in the first innings. Putting all this in front of his eyes, Wriddhiman Saha admitted Pant has done a great job but has room from improvement.

“He has got the record for most dismissals recently, isn’t it? Is it 11? No doubt he is good, but he still has room for improvement. He is young. The more he plays the better he will get. I was very happy when he scored his maiden Test century (at The Oval) and even sent him a message.”

“Recently I met him at NCA when he had come there after the Australian tour. We exchanged notes about the England and Australia series. We spoke about collecting the wobbling Dukes in England which is a challenge. I have had some experience with India A previously. We also spoke about Australia,” Saha told ESPNcricinfo in an exclusive interview.

Saha keen on returning to the Test team

The 33-year old Saha said performing well is the only thing he can take care off. He said he understands the road to the Indian team is not going to be easy; given the hype around Rishabh Pant – but Saha is ready to take the toll and do whatever possible on the field to earn his comeback.

On asked whether he is okay to play as second to Pant in the Indian Test team, Saha said,

“There are so many Indians that play cricket. If you are picked in the 15, it is a proud moment for any player. I have not been in the Indian dressing room for one year, so if I get another opportunity, I will do anything to make a comeback. To get back, I have to perform well. Earlier I was No.1 wicketkeeper in the team. Now Rishabh is. My thinking is if you do well you need to get the chance,” Wriddhiman Saha added.

The right-handed batsman is currently playing Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy for West Bengal.