Team India reacted immediately to KL Rahul’s tragic leg injury by appointing Ishan Kishan as his replacement for India’s World Test Championship final against Australia at the Oval in June later this year. However, former Indian captain Anil Kumble feels that veteran wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha should have been part of the summit clash.
Wriddhiman Saha, the wicketkeeper-batsman for the Gujarat Titans in the present IPL 2023, is having a successful season for the reigning champions. Even though he was part of the Test side when MS Dhoni withdrew from the scene in the longest format of the game, Saha has not been able to make his way back into the team despite Rishabh Pant’s absence.
Anil Kumble, a former Indian captain and current coach, believes that the best wicketkeeper in the nation has been consistent for the current champions from both behind and in front of the stumps and should be in and around the Test side.
“Look at Wriddhiman Saha behind the stumps; he’s been outstanding for the Gujarat Titans all season, not just there but also in front of them. He’s been really consistent; he goes unrecognized behind the stumps but he’s one of India’s top wicketkeepers,” remarked Kumble on JioCinema’s Insider’s Feed show.
I have a feeling that the selectors missed a trick for the World Test Championship. Anil Kumble further reinforced his stance, claiming that the 38-year-old should have been named for the WTC side ahead of Ishan Kishan. He even said that Saha, who has been keeping for the team in the absence of Rishabh Pant, should have been in the squad from the start.
“I have a feeling that the selectors missed a trick for the World Test Championship (final), he’s someone who should be a part of that squad. While Wriddhi Saha is outstanding behind the stumps and has performed admirably whenever the opportunity has presented itself, even in front of the stumps with his batting, I know KS Bharat is in the team and has performed well whenever given the chance.
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