Wriddhiman Saha's Participation For The Australian Test Series In Doubt Following His Hamstring Injury

Wriddhiman Saha, India, and SunRisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper-batsman have suffered a hamstring injury, one that has not only ruled him out of his sides’ crucial playoffs fixtures against Royal Challengers Bangalore [Eliminator] and Qualifier 02 against the Delhi Capitals but it has also cast doubt on his participation in the upcoming Test series against Australia.

Saha suffered a groin strain during his whirlwind 45-ball 87 against the Delhi Capitals in the league-stage encounter, post which he did not come out to keep the wickets during DC’s run-chase. But the Bengal keeper-batsman continued to feature in SRH’s last two league-stage matches against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians, in which he chipped-in with match-winning contributions of 39 off 32 balls and 58 not-out off 45 balls respectively.

SunRisers Hyderabad skipper David Warner confirmed the same at the toss during his sides’ all-important Eliminator encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Warner was forced to slot-in Shreevats Goswami as Wriddhiman Saha’s replacement, who did a decent job with the gloves but failed with the bat.

Saha’s injury is another addition to the long growing list of Indian cricketers who are grappling with fitness concerns ahead of the Australia tour. Rohit Sharma has already been left out due to hamstring injury even though he has continued to feature for the Mumbai Indians after a brief layoff, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been ruled out while Ishant Sharma’s fitness is also a cause of concern.

India has named Rishabh Pant as the second wicketkeeper for the Test series against Australia alongside Saha. The BCCI, however, is yet to officially release a statement on Wriddhiman Saha’s injury status.