35-run Adelaide Test knock better than IPL century - Wriddhiman Saha
Bengal wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha, who represents Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League, rated his 35-run knock against Australia at Adelaide in 2012 better than the hundred against Kolkata Knight Riders in the finals of the 2014 Indian Premier League.
"Although the context was completely different, I would rate the innings of 35 in the Adelaide Test and a century stand for the sixth wicket with Virat Kohli closer to my heart," Saha told PTI.
Saha, who has only played 2 Tests for India so far, combined with opener Manan Vohra to smash 115* off 55 balls and rescue his team after the loss of Virender Sehwag and captain George Bailey, thereby setting up a target of 200 for the Knight Riders. Although the Kolkata-based franchise chased it down in 19.3 overs, Saha was the prime reason behind Kings XI Punjab making a match out of it after the early setbacks.
The move to promote him ahead of Glenn Maxwell and David Miller is still being heavily criticised. But given the horror shows of the two Kings XI overseas recruits against the strong bowling attack of the Knight Riders in the previous three encounters, not to mention the poor form of the Australian big hitter, it wasn’t a bad decision after all.
Saha added: "I am proud of the century in IPL final but that was a Test match. Virat was batting brilliantly and I could support him in his bid for the maiden Test hundred.
"Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle bowled during that phase. I played 94 balls and it was my second Test match. Till I got out, I wasn't uncomfortable against pace and swing, which gave me confidence that I can play at the highest level,” revealed Saha how satisfied he felt after helping his country in need. “
“This IPL century would have tasted sweeter but need to accept that KKR collectively batted better than us. We could never stop them from maintaining that run-rate," the 29-year old said.