Wriddhiman Saha says he prefers the shorter formats of the game
Though Wriddhiman Saha has taken MS Dhoni's place behind the stumps in the longest format, the wicket-keeper batsman says he prefers the shorter formats of the game. The 32-year old is coming off the back of scintillating performances against both England and Australia in recent Test series.
Saha has been a regular in the Indian Test cricket team since Dhoni's departure. It is hard to make the Indian team as a wicketkeeper-batsman, but with Dhoni's departure Saha has come into the side and impressed everyone with his performance. Saha has been branded as a Test specialist, but in his recent interview with The Telegraph, he stated that he prefers the shorter formats of the game.
The Bengal batsman said,"Yes, it's a fact that my preference is for two shorter formats. My average for Bengal, I think, is good in the 50-over game and fairly good in the T20 matches."
"Besides, I've got a 55-ball 115 not out(Kings XI Punjab) in the 2014 IPL final against the Kolkata Knight Riders", the wicketkeeper-batsman further added.
Saha who has played 9 ODIs has still not played a T20I for India. He stated that his preferences are known to the selectors and added that he respects and accepts the selectors' decision of making him play only in Tests.Â
Saha performed well against Australia in the recently concluded series scoring a crucial century in the Ranchi Test.Â
He is currently with the Kings XI Punjab franchise in IPL10. He stated that he hopes to count on the opportunity and do well with the team and recreate his performances.
Adapting to the T20 format is not an issue for Saha. He feels it is easy to adapt to the format after a long Test cricket season.
"I don't expect it to be an issue for me. Actually, it's tougher if you are coming from the T20 format to Test cricket ", he stated to The Telegraph.Â
After a long testing season, the wicketkeeper-batsman has requested the Kings XI Punjab administration for some days away.
"After criss-crossing the country right through the season, even a few days more with (wife) Debarati and daughter Anvi are welcomed ", he stated.
The Kings XI Punjab start their proceedings against the Rising Pune SuperGiants at Indore's Holkar stadium on 8th April.