If you get a crucial wicket, it increases your motivation, says Saha

India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who took a spectacular catch to dismiss Kusal Mendis off Hardik Pandya and scored a gritty 67 in the second Test against Sri Lanka, believes in sticking to basics. The 32-year-old balances his acrobatics going by the nature of the wicket.

However, Saha doesn’t garner ambitions of being the best in the business, he only goes by his natural flair. “If more balls reach the keeper, it is easier as it helps me to focus.

Wriddhiman Saha has traversed a long way from his roots in Siliguri, a town in West Bengal, to being India’s first-choice Test wicket-keeper. And when he steps into the Pallekele International Stadium near Kandy on August 12, where India and Sri Lanka will commence their third and final Test, it will be Saha’s 100th first-class game.

Remarkably efficient behind the stumps, Saha elicited a ‘he is the best in this format’ comment from skipper Virat Kohli during the post-match presentation at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) here on Sunday, following the conclusion of the second Test. In a meeting with reporters on Monday afternoon, Saha was pleasantly surprised when told about his imminent landmark. He spoke about issues ranging from his glove-work to assisting Kohli in seeking reviews.

Excerpts…

Rising with the delivery

It is a basic that you have to get up with the bounce of the ball, but on this (SSC) track there was more bounce so I got up a fraction earlier. The adjustment went well.

Catching Kusal Mendis

When he got the inner edge (off Hardik Pandya) I thought he will be bowled but the ball hit the pad and lobbed, the pace was slow and I got more time and I could dive. If you get a crucial wicket, it increases your motivation.

Customised-helmet

It is cut from behind and once I squat in my position, it helps me to move my neck easily.

Consultative role in seeking reviews

Virat has always said that whoever is close to the wicket, should give their views. The bowler will have his individual view. We all tell our views and then the captain decides whether to seek the review or not.

Kohli’s praise

If the coach and captain say this (being the best in the business) then it boosts my morale. I am trying to deliver the best I can. It depends on the pitch and how I make adjustments and I keep talking with the fielding coach R. Sridhar.

Sledging from behind

I haven’t seen M.S. Dhoni sledge. It is not compulsory. May be you can twist things and say stuff like ‘the pitch is poor, or you have played a poor shot’. That is fine.