If they had to pick me after my IPL performance, I would've been in squad for England tour: Wriddhiman Saha

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha felt that he would have been on the flight to England for the one-off Test if his IPL 2022 form was looked at. Despite the age factor coming into play, there were still spots for the likes of Dinesh Karthik in the T20I setup on account of his excellent form in IPL 2022. The Tamil Nadu lad had also managed to repay the faith by scoring his first half-century for India in T20Is at a crucial stage.

However, Saha’s story has been different as he is no longer the first-choice keeper ahead of Rishabh Pant in the longest format despite his perfect technique. Alongside Ishant Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara, Saha was also dropped for the Sri Lanka Tests at home at the start of the year. While Pujara is back for the Test match in England on account of his incredible recent form in County cricket, Saha was also part of a title-winning campaign for Gujarat Titans this year but didn’t get his dues.

The 37-year-old was a last-minute buy in the mega auction and he did not play the first five games. However, once he came into the playing XI, he had a significant impact at the top of the order scoring 317 runs in 11 games at an average of 31.70. He hit three half-centuries in the process, however, it wasn’t enough for him to return to the Indian side again.

I don’t think I will be selected going further: Wriddhiman Saha

Saha mentioned that he is quite clear that he might not get the nod again for inclusion in the Indian side having spoken with Rahul Dravid, the head coach, and the selection committee. He noted that he certainly would have been in the squad for the England tour if his IPL form had been considered. He added that he has turned his focus on playing the game and enjoying it.

“I don’t think I will be selected going further because already the coach and the chief selector had informed me. And if they had to pick me, after my IPL performance, I would have been included in the squad for England tour. So that decision has been made clear to me that right now, there aren’t too many options. But for me, I am focussed towards playing cricket. As long as I love the sport, I will play,” Saha told Sports Tak.