Pic Courtesy: twitter
Sabyasachi Bagchi, Kolkata: He has been in some incredible form in the past couple of test series. From impeccable catchings to stumping in the blink of an eye. And as a result he has been rightfully named as “Superman” in international cricket.
Star keeper Wriddhiman Saha added yet another feather in his cap when he registered new records. Nicknamed as ‘Papali’, Wriddhiman sent 10 batsmen back to the pavilion in two innings of a single match.
Bengal has been playing Ranji Trophy before India’s independence from 1935. In Bengals history of Ranji cricket for 82 years, Wriddhiman became the first ever wicket-keeper to achieve this record. In the recently concluded game against Himachal Pradesh, he achieved this record, alongside this he also created another record of taking 10 catches in two innings of a single match. Previously the record was held by Satish Kumar Khanna in 1957-58 season.
When in informed about the two records by www.xtratime.in, Wriddhiman became surprised and then said, ” It is my job to support the team from behind the wicket and that is why the team has hired me and I am doing my job. And if in doing my job I create records then so be it. But getting 6 points against Himachal would have been better”.
A major boost for Papali’s dual record was his incredible fitness. At an age of 32 years he has played 28 test matches and 103 first class games. With fitness not an issue, even skipper Virat Kohli too has given him the fitness certificate. He added, “To give 100% in the field and to have correct reflexes, one needs to have appropriate sleep and so I try to get the adequate sleep”.
After the appointment of Shankar Basu as the fitness trainer of the Indian team, Wriddhi’s fitness too has gone up by leaps and bounds. upon which he added, “The competition in sports has increased and to tackle the opposition one needs to improve his fitness. Apart from making our own diet chart he (Shankar Basu) also allots the time that we needs to spend at the gym and training. As a result he has a great importance in our success”
Not just 10 victims, but the way in which he has kept his consistency in recent times has led to former greats like Sambharan Banerjee say, “As a wicket keeper he is miles ahead of MS Dhoni however in limited overs cricket Dhoni is a better batsman than him. However in my opinion Wriddhiman should be given a chance to feature in limited overs format”.
Former Bengal keeper, Deep Dasgupta said, “I am not at all surprised with Wriddhiman’s performance. He is extremely fit, focused and owing to his supreme reflex he is getting success. You all must be knowing that I gave him the name of ‘Superman’ in the commentary box”
*** Most victims by Catching and Stumping in a single match- 10
Wriddhiman Saha (Bengal vs Himachar Pradesh, Eden Gardens, 2017-18)
*** Most victims by Catching and Stumping in a single match- 8
Satish Kumar Khanna (Bengal vs Bihar, Patna, 1957-58)
*** Most victims by Catching and Stumping in a single match- 7
1) Sambharan Banerjee (Bengal vs Harayana, Eden Gardens, 1975-76)
2) Adil Khan (Bengal vs Tripura, Eden Gardens, 2000-01)
3) Saba Karim (Bengal vs Odissa, Eden Gardens, 2001-02)
4) Deep Dasgupta (Bengal vs Odissa, Eden Gardens, 2001-02)
5) Wriddhiman Saha (Bengal vs Andhra Pradesh, Eden Gardens, 2007-08)
6) Wriddhiman Saha (Bengal vs Harayana, Laholi, 2011-12)
7) Wriddhiman Saha (Bengal vs Gujarat, Eden Gardens, 2012-13)
8) Sreevats Goswami (Bengal vs Karnataka, 2014-15)