“He is your guy whether playing in India or abroad” – Parthiv Patel backs Wriddhiman Saha as India’s best glovesman for Test cricket
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Wriddhiman Saha
Ever since MS Dhoni‘s Test retirement in 2014, India has been frantically searching for his replacement. Dhoni was not only a great captain but a powerhouse behind the stumps. Let it be his lightning-quick stumpings, brilliant catches or accurate DRS calls, the former skipper was an all-round package with his explosive batting skills. India have tried several options in the format including Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, and Parthiv Patel over the years. The situation is similar in limited-overs too.
Since Dhoni’s last game which came in the World Cup, India has tried a plethora of options. From Dinesh Karthik and Pant to Sanju Samson and KL Rahul now. Yet the team management has not been able to lock on a candidate to replace Dhoni. As of now, Rahul is the front runner with his brilliant form with the bat and god enough glovework.
There is no comparison with anyone
Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel feels that Saha is the best in business when it comes to red-ball cricket. It is often seen that Saha is rotated with Pant in foreign conditions. Patel opines that Saha should be India’s first-choice keeper both at home and away. Injuries have been a big concern for Saha which has allowed pant to make a place for himself in the Test side.
“I have always maintained that Saha is your best wicketkeeper-batsman in Test cricket. There is no comparison with anyone, as long as he is fit,” Parthiv was quoted by Hindustan Times. “As long as he is there, he should be keeping for India in Test cricket – whether you are playing abroad or India – Saha is your guy as long as he is fit.”
On being asked if Rahul should don the gloves in Tests too, the 35-year-old shares it will not be an easy transition for the Karnataka batter. Patel adds that Test cricket is completely different and a long thought should be given before giving Rahul such a big responsibility. On the other hand, he feels that Rahul is the best choice for white-ball cricket and India should stick with him.
“That’s a tough call. KL’s glovework is fantastic, there is no doubt about it. Test cricket is completely different.“
“You have got to start ‘keeping in four-day cricket first. It’s not the easiest thing to do. I would give it a long thought before thinking that KL could do the job in all formats. But one-day, T20, definitely KL.”
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Anshuman Mahapatra
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