IPL 2016: Wriddhiman Saha credits Virender Sehwag for helping him find his form back
Kings XI Punjab wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha feels that his interactions with the team mentor Virender Sehwag has helped him in improving his game. The wicket-keeper, who has been underperforming for a long time, said that Sehwag's influence has gradually helped him find his form back.
“Viru bhai (Sehwag)’s role as a mentor of Kings XI Punjab has really helped me personally as I have learnt a lot about batting in various conditions. It’s not any specific tips but when you interact with a legend on a day to day basis, you pick up a lot. It did help me as I have again found some form going my way,” he said about the former Indian opener in an interaction with PTI.
Saha showcased his heroics during the 2014 IPL final against Kolkata Knight Riders by scoring 115 off 55 balls, and it took him another 19 innings to make another 50 plus score which he smashed against Delhi Daredevils on May 7 2016. He made 52 off 33 balls and helped KXIP post a total of 181 on the board, which played a crucial part in their nine-run victory over the two-time champions.
“Viru bhai tells me that my game is such that rotating the strike should always be an integral part of my batting. As far as my batting form is concerned, yes there has been a phase where I batted in different positions. Also there were times when my shot selection was not wrong but execution went awry,” Saha added.
Also read: Axar Patel attributes clarity of mind to KXIP mentor Virender Sehwag
He also complimented his teammates Mohit Sharma and Sandeep Sharma for their remarkable bowling during the match against DD. "They have been fantastic and was one of the best spells at the death that I have witnessed in the IPL. And both Mohit and Sandeep has been phenomenal for us in the death overs.
"I would also like to say that Vijay has been leading the side very well. As a keeper, I love the kind of field placements that he has been deploying as well as the bowling changes that he has effected." However, KXIP faced a harrowing defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 9, falling short by one run in a thrilling game at Mohali.
Saha also says that he is currently focussing on helping KXIP get a qualification berth, adding that he would give his best to achieve that.
KXIP, struggling to string a couple of wins together, have been continuously poor in this tournament. They are currently at the bottom of the table, with just three wins from 10 games.