IND vs NZ 2021: Wriddhiman Saha's Availability Uncertain, Call To Be Taken Soon, Confirms Paras Mhambrey
Team India’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has revealed that the physios are constantly in touch with the head coach, Rahul Dravid, and skipper, Virat Kohli, regarding the availability of wicketkeeper-batsman, Wriddhiman Saha.
Saha was carrying some stiffness in his neck during the first Test that recently ended in a draw. He batted in both innings but didn’t keep wickets and was replaced by the backup option, Srikar Bharat.
“The physios are in touch constantly with the head coach Rahul and obvious Virat now, and as we get closer to the game, we will take a call and see what conditions he is in,” Mhambrey said at a virtual press conference on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old Saha has been considered as a backup for the youngster, Rishabh Pant. However, Pant has been rested for the 2-match Test series with an eye on keeping him fresh for the upcoming tour of South Africa.
“He put his hand up and delivered for the team” – Paras Mhambrey on Wriddhiman Saha’s knock
During India’s second innings in Kanpur, the team was in dire straits, having lost six wickets with the lead standing at 154. Saha walked in and stitched a game-saving partnership with Shreyas Iyer and then with Axar Patel to ensure India had a good enough lead to declare.
“But obviously, with whatever he has been through, I think (it was a) fabulous effort in the last Test match to bat in that. It was painful. We realise that, but he put his hand up and (said) the team wanted it, and he delivered for the team, really happy to see that,” Mhambrey added.
The first Test ended in a thrilling draw as Rachin Ravindra, and Ajaz Patel batted out the final 52 balls to deny India a win and a 1-0 lead. The teams now move on to Mumbai for the second and final Test.
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India National Cricket Team New Zealand National Cricket Team Paras Mhambrey Wriddhiman Saha
