India vs South Africa, Tests: Wriddhiman Saha to keep wickets
The Indian cricket team is set to take on South Africa in a three-match Test series, starting October 2 in Vizag. One of the focus was on the wicket-keeping choice for the series. However, veteran Wriddhiman Saha, who was on the bench against West Indies recently, has been given the nod ahead of Rishabh Pant. Here are the details.
Saha had a difficult time with injuries in recent past
34-year-old Saha was last seen in action for India in the first Test against South Africa at Cape Town in January 2018. He missed the rest of the series with a hamstring injury. The Bengal keeper went on to suffer a broken thumb in IPL 2018 and missed out on India's next big assignments in Tests. He made a return to the side recently.
Saha will keep for us in this Test series: Kohli
Recently, according to a report in The Times of India, the team management was believed to be keen in giving Saha the opportunity against the Proteas. Meanwhile, Team India captain Virat Kohli confirmed that Saha will be the first choice. "Wriddhiman Saha will keep for us in this Test series," said Kohli in the pre-match press conference ahead of the first Test.
A look at Saha's Test career
Saha has featured in 32 Test matches for India. He has scored 1,164 runs at 30.63. He has three hundreds and five fifties. He has also accounted for 75 catches and 10 stumpings.
Pant hasn't enjoyed the best of form in recent times
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Rishabh Pant scored just 4 and 19, in the two T20Is against South Africa which ended in 1-1. Prior to that, the youngster also failed to get runs on the board in the Test series against West Indies, besides the limited-overs series as well. Therefore, the team is keen to give Saha his due and help Pant get groomed.
Pant is the future but Saha needs to play
Pant is young and has the time behind him him to keep learning. It is crucial for the management to keep backing him and one hopes that Pant cashes in. He is a sheer talent and one needs to be patient. However, time is running out for veteran Saha. To hand him much-needed game time is a superb decision taken by the management.
