IND vs SA | Wriddhiman Saha is a big part of the team and did a great job, says Rohit Sharma
Man of the Match Rohit Sharma heaped praise on wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha, hailing him as a big part of the team, lauding his efforts. Sharma also opened up about his mindset before taking the field for the first time as an opener and said that all he wanted to do was to enjoy the game.
With all eyes on him prior to the Test, Rohit Sharma took Vizag by storm, scoring twin centuries and guiding his team to victory on his debut as an opener in Tests. The Hitman looked calm as ever when he took the field on Day 1, and when asked about his mindset before the match, Rohit said that he was prepared for the challenge for the last two-three years after the selectors hinted him about potentially opening in Test cricket.
“That communication (on opening) between management and myself happened a long time ago that I might have to do past at some stage. So for the past two or three years, I was prepared for it mentally,” the Mumbaikar told TOI.
“Whenever I was not playing a Test match, in the nets I was batting with the new ball trying to be ready if the opportunity comes. It’s a great start and I have a long way to go. It’s not the end, it’s a start. Good things are about to follow.
“All those things are nice to happen along the way but have said many times I am not here for records. I just want to enjoy the game. I know it might be boring but that is what it is,” said Rohit, who has a pile of records in his spectacular cricket career.
Wriddhiman Saha came into the side for the series opener, after being on the bench for the West Indies tour, at the expense of young Rishabh Pant. The selection seemed to be based on their keeping expertise and the management chose the experienced Saha over Pant. According to Rohit, Saha and Pant share a good relationship.
“I thought Saha kept really well. We have grown up in these conditions but it is not easy for the ‘keeper in these conditions because the odd ball turns, stays low, and there is a sudden bounce also,” he observed.
On the fourth day, the pitch was a treacherous piece of turf, with the odd ball turning and bouncing. The menacing cracks that had opened up throughout the course of the Test match made the day of a keeper hell, but the Bengal keeper-batsman did a tremendous job behind the stumps.
“I don’t know about that technically but as a keeper, you have to stay very still and I thought he did a great job. He is also a great help for DRS calls. He is a big part of our line up and that is why he is back in the squad,” said the destructive opener.
In the end, he didn’t forget to praise the young Delhi lad, Rishabh Pant who is a great asset to the team. Although his rash shot selection has seen many promising starts gone begging, the youngster has already shown the world what he is capable of. Rohit expressed his faith in Pant’s ability and expected hmi to come back as a more matured and consistent player.
“Speaking of Pant, he is definitely a quality that any team wants. Who should play and who should not (between Saha and Pant) I am not getting into that but we have seen what Pant can do with the bat,” said the 32-year Indian opener.
“Of course, he is working hard on his game, both batting and keeping. Keeping plays a big part in these conditions and I am sure the support staff will ensure Pant gets better with time. He can also learn a lot from Saha. In the West Indies, Saha guided him after every session. They have a great understanding,” he signed off.
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