"I will do anything to make a comeback," says Wriddhiman Saha
What's the story?
Wriddhiman Saha last appeared playing for India back in January 2018. Since then, he has missed 14 Test matches and watched his competitor Rishabh Pant make the wicketkeeper's role his own. As his wife Romi Mitra says, the last few months have been devastating. Saha though believes in living in the present. He had an extended stint at the NCA in Bangalore and recently played his first competitive match in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
In case you didn't know...
Saha recovered from a left hamstring tendon injury that sent him flying home from South Africa in January last year. He was then sidelined after sustaining a thumb injury during the IPL. While recovering from his thumb injury, Saha felt his right-hand wasn't at its best. An MRI had a clear picture and he finally had to undergo the surgery.
The heart of the matter
The 31-year-old, though, is in no mood giving up. He tried diverting his mind away from the injury and all the negative talks. "From childhood I have never been impatient. During the rehab, I made sure I did not think rehab was boring. I distracted myself by mingling with trainers, coaching staff and other players - talking about things outside of my rehab and cricket. If you think rehab is boring then it can actually turn out to be boring" Saha told ESPN Cricinfo in an interview.
He further stated, "There are so many Indians that play cricket. If you are picked in the 15, it is a proud moment for any player. I have not been in the Indian dressing room for one year, so if I get another opportunity, I will do anything to make a comeback. To get back, I have to perform well. Earlier I was No.1 wicketkeeper in the team. Now Rishabh is. My thinking is if you do well you need to get the chance."
What's next?
With India's next Test assignment slated in July, Saha may well be drafted into the squad. The idea of playing the role of a second wicket-keeper is very much there and the cricketer is up for the challenge.