IPL 8: ‘I rushed to dismiss Corey Anderson, not a 100 per cent effort’
Mumbai: Likely to be the next Team India Test regular, Wriddhiman Saha – the Kings XI Punjab wicketkeeper – is never satisfied with his efforts, which, makes him yearn for perfection. The 30-year-old confessed that he rushed to dislodge the bails to dismiss Corey Anderson and could not finish it smooth, in the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Mumbai Indians here on Sunday.
“It was not a 100 per cent effort from my side. I could have done much better. I hurried up because one cannot forego such an opportunity. The ball, luckily deflected off my gloves which turned out to be a good thing for us,” said Saha, who slammed a ton (115 off 55) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final last year.
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Saha, however, is yet to display flashes of the strokeplay with which he won hearts in the seventh edition of the tournament.
Against Rajasthan Royals, he came out first down (No 3) but could not deliver. The batting order was shuffled against Mumbai and he did not get a chance to have a crack.
When asked about his batting position, he said: “We don’t have a fixed batting order. We adjust according to situations. The players keep themselves ready. If a right-handed spinner is found causing problems, a right-hander goes out to bat and similarly, when a left-handed bowler is trying to check runs, a southpaw is the best bet,” he pointed.
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The gritty right-hander toured with Team India for a long time though he spent most of the time on the bench. But having toured overseas and seen cricket played on hard and bouncy pitches, does it become mentally easier for him to approach an IPL game?
“It is not easy for me. People who are consistently playing for India, it might be easier for them. I have hardly played four or five matches in six years. Recently, a Test and a few ODIs. It is not easy all the more because the Indian cricketers are aware each others’ strengths and weaknesses,” said Saha, who is currently keeping to international speedsters like Mitchell Johnson.
Saha believes keeping to Johnson has improved his reflex.
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“A bowler whose deliveries can be carried smoothly is a delight. If the ball comes in perfect line and length, it feels good. It also increases chances of a nick and automatically, brings out the best in any wicketkeeper,” he asserted.
He kept wickets for KKR in the first three seasons but now his heart lies with Punjab.
“Though I am a Kolkata boy, I am a Punjab cricketer in IPL. I will try my best to ensure victory for my team. The ton (of 2014) is there in my mind but it is a new start. A year has passed on since then,” added Saha.
