Xtra Time Web Desk: India wicket keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha on Friday said he is not concerned with the comparison between him and Rishabh Pant. The Bengal stumper is not worried about Pant doing well in Australia.
“I dont’ see who is No.1 or 2… Team will give a chance to those who do better. I will continue to do my job. Selection is not in my hands, it’s up to the management.”
Saha, who is considered India’s number one Test wicketkeeper, said that he does not believe that Pant’s heroics with the bat in Australia would close the door for him in the Indian team.
“You can ask him (Pant), we have a friendly relationship and help each other whoever gets into the XI. Personally, there’s no conflict with him,” Saha said after returning home following the historic Test series win in Australia.
The 36 year old Saha was all praise for Pant, whose 89 not out on the fifth day sealed the match for India at the Gabba for a 2-1 series win.
“No one learns algebra in class I. You always go step by step. He is giving his best and will definitely improve. He has matured and proved himself. In the long run, it augurs well for the Indian team,” he said of Pant who has often been found wanting behind the stumps.
“The way he has shown his intent after being sidelined from his favourite T20 and ODI formats was really exceptional.”
Both Pant and Saha have been picked for the first two Tests in the home series against England next month and it remains to be seen whether the team think tank will play the veteran as a specialist wicketkeeper.
Talking about the leadership of stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, Saha said, “He goes about his job with a cool head. Like Virat, he too has full belief in his players. Unlike Virat, he never shows any excitement.
He added, “Approach is a bit different, Rahane stays calm always, never loses temper. He knows well how to motivate the players. That is his success mantra.”