Sabyasachi Bagchi, Kolkata: India’s star wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha today returned to the City of Joy after completing a 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka. Saha was also a part of the team during its tour of Sri Lanka in 2015 but he had to come back in the middle of the second Test as he sustained an injury. It was Saha’s first tour under Ravi Shastri’s coaching era. According to Wriddhiman there is a basic difference between the ‘coaching’ of Ravi Shastri and former India coach Anil Kumble.
“Anil bhai (Anil Kumble) always wanted us to score big totals on board like 500 or 600 runs and demolish the opponent in between 200 runs. You have to understand, it won’t happen every time. On the other hand Shastri bhai (Ravi Shastri) always says us to play aggressively and destroy your opponent in the field. It is the only basic difference between the two,” said Wriddhiman Saha to www.xtratime.in correspondent Sabyasachi Bagchi at the Kolkata Airport today.
On being asked whether Anil Kumble was a bit strict with the players, Saha added,” I don’t think so. It hasn’t happened with me. You have to be strict as a coach on some times. Maybe a few had thought that he was strict but it is not my point of view.”
During India’s last tour of Sri Lanka, due to an injury Saha was not the part of the series winning side. After winning this series by 3-0 he looked very happy after returning to Kolkata.
“I did not play in the first series. In the next two I played. I could not be there during series win last time, this time I was there to witness the 3-0 whitewash. So it’s a good feeling.”
Asked about India’s brilliant form in the longer format of the game, Saha said since their loss at Galle two years back, they have had a team meeting and that was the main reason for their change of luck.
“We lost the Galle Test. Then all the players had a meeting and we are maintaining the momentum from there. It has helped us recharge our batteries. We stuck to a plan and have been executing it so far.”
Few days back in a press-conference Shastri said Saha is just next to MS Dhoni in keeping and he is one of the best keepers in the world right now. The gaffer had also compared him to former legendary England wicket-keeper Bob Taylor.
“I have not seen Bob Taylor’s keeping. I have tried to give my best all the time. I am always ready to create a chance. I am always alert in my area.”
The cricket critics have said that Wriddhiman not only stand behind the wicket as a wicket-keeper, but also he creates chances for his side too. Saha looked a bit pleased after listening to this.
“I always wait for a chance from behind the wicket. Whether it is a catch or a run out.”
Wriddhi took a lot of brilliant catches in his cricketing career. While questioned about his best catch, Saha said,” I took a catch of Steve O’Keefe from a delivery of Umesh Yadav. According to me it was my best catch till now.”
On his important partnership with Mohammed Shami, who also received high praise from Ravi Shastri, Saha said, “Shami It’s great that Shami is continuing his aggression after coming back from injury. It is good for him and the team. He always creates a wicket taking opportunity. He swings the ball and gets the outside edge of the batsman. I take the catch.”
Saha further added that skipper Virat Kohli’s bonding with the squad is the key of their success too and that is one sign he likes about Virat. The Delhi batsman always backs every player in the team and it helps the team to perform well in the field.
“He is improving with time and his association with players has increased. We dine together and go for outings also together. He is always mingling with us which I see as a plus point in him.”
The batting temperament of the hosts helped them to win the series too, Saha added.
“Their temperament was weak from the batting point of view which helped us. One session they held fort but we knew their patience would go up in smoke in the next session. That has helped.”
Wriddhiman played his 100th first-class game at Pallekele. Though he won’t knew that he would be playing his 100th first-class game ahead of the third Test.
“I am very happy after touching this feat. I don’t even knew that I was about to play my career’s 100th first class match. The media told me in the press-conference that I was about to touch the feat. I would be happier if I get a chance to play my 200th first class match.”