Former Indian World Cup-winning wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani is of the opinion that Bengal wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha must be included in the Indian Playing XI for the 2nd Test against Windies. He feels that Rishabh Pant is still in his infancy in international cricket and needs to learn a lot. On the other hand, Saha has been a consistent performer for India in the longest format and has been their first choice keeper ever since MS Dhoni hung his boots from the longest format.
Rishabh Pant has been criticized severely for his horrendous shots during the course of the World Cup and during the ODI and T20I series against Windies. Even in the opening Test, he was dismissed pretty cheaply. Syed Kirmani feels that Wriddhiman Saha should also be given equal opportunities just like Pant.
“Yeh abhi jhule main hai (He is still in his infancy). But he is God gifted but needs to learn a lot,” Kirmani was quoted as saying by PTI during an event in Kolkata. “It’s the most difficult position on the field. Not everyone can do keeping by just wearing a pair of gloves,” he further added. Meanwhile, Kirmani is hopeful of the fact that Saha will be included in the Playing XI for the 2nd Test in Jamaica.
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“Saha, unfortunately, had some injury problems. He has to be given equal opportunity. What’s the point of keeping him in the side, if you do not give him chance,” Kirmani questioned.
“We have to judge on pure performance. Saha came to Indian side following his consistency at the domestic level. But when you’re out of picture, somebody else takes over your place, so the likes of Karthik and Pant came into the picture.
“Now we have to see who’s is more consistent on the field — be it in batting, wicketkeeping or in terms of all-round abilities,” Kirmani said.
Meanwhile, the former stumper was disgusted with the continuous speculation on the MS Dhoni’s future as an Indian player. He requested everyone to leave him alone. “Leave him alone. There will be a time when he will retire, but we must stop talking about his retirement now.” However, Kirmani wants Dhoni to groom the budding cricketers before he calls it a day.