'You are a victim of politics' - Syed Kirmani on Wriddhiman Saha reportedly being dropped from Test side

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha had last played for India in the home series against New Zealand in November-December last year as regular stumper Rishabh Pant was rested for the two-match Test series. However, it was reported that he and pace icon Ishant Sharma could not be featuring for the Indian team in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka at home next month as a result of which the Test stumper opted out from Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad on Wednesday.

Now, legendary wicketkeeper batter Syed Kirmani has come forward and said that the Wriddhiman Saha is a victim of politics. It has been reported that the veteran gloveman could be dropped from India’s red-ball team in order to give chances to emerging keeper KS Bharat. At the same time, Kirman also went on to mention that Saha is still the best wicketkeeper even at the age of 37.

Wriddhiman Saha did a splendid job for India: Syed Kirmani

“No doubt, Wriddhi is still the best wicketkeeper. But Rishabh Pant is getting chances for his aggressive batting. Even at 37, Wriddhi is still the best wicketkeeper. He should not get upset. Dinesh Karthik and Parthiv Patel were also replaced in the same fashion,” said the 1983 World Cup winner while speaking to mid-day.

“You did a splendid job for India and never bowed down in these years, which is commendable. You are dropped because you did not belong to any particular group, you are a victim of politics. I will remember you as a very fine wicketkeeper”, he added.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to name India’s new Test captain after Virat Kohli had shockingly relinquished from the position last month. After the legendary skipper MS Dhoni’s Test retirement from the longest format in December 2014, Wriddhiman Saha became the first-choice wicketkeeper for the Indian team in whites.

Even though the Bengal cricketer was known for taking acrobatic catches behind the stumps, he failed to make much impact with the bat. And, ever since Team India’s historic 2-1 series win against Australia Down Under last year, the 37-year-old has been in the team as a reserve keeper for the last year.