Saha is definitely the best keeper in Test format right now: Virat Kohli

Wriddhiman Saha is one of the lesser talked players in the Indian Test team’s success over the past two years, serving as the keeper on toughest of tracks where the ball is seen taking a sharp turn and uneven bounce. Despite all the challenges, Saha ensured as minimal mistakes as possible from his side and done a brilliant glove work to ensure the bowlers get their due. He even ended up taking some stunners which were acclaimed by one and all.

Post the second Test match against Sri Lanka at The Colombo’s SSC ground, the Indian captain Virat Kohli has showered praises over his team’s soul behind the wickets. Speaking about Saha, Kohli called the wicket-keeper batsman from Siliguri as the best in the Test format at the moment.

“Saha is definitely the best keeper in this format right now. He’s very agile and can create chances at any stage. Pujara and Rahane are our best Test players, KL played well too, and Jadeja contributed lower down the order. Pandya contributed too. For us, it’s about taking Indian cricket ahead,” Kohli said after the game.

India seemed to be panicking when the bowlers failed to get the breakthroughs in Sri Lanka‘s 2nd innings but Saha ensured his work was on the perfect side. On a pitch which had some uneven bounce and seen a few deliveries taking a sharp turn, Saha conceded just 4 byes across both the innings even after keeping for over 160 overs.

“To give away only four byes on that pitch speaks volumes. He’s right up there with the very best. I’d say he’s the best keeper in this format,” Kohli added.

100th first-class match

Wriddhiman Saha will be reaching a new milestone when he features in the 3rd and final Test of the Sri Lanka series at the Pallekele as the game will be the 100th first-class match for the 32-year-old. Saha has scored 5620 runs so far in his 99-match first-class career and has affected 269 dismissals behind the wickets.