There and back again

Having jumped the queue for ODIs after solitary Test,Saha hopes to make it count this time.

He didnt have the best of starts to his international career,rocked twice by South African Dale Steyn in his only Test at Nagpur earlier this year. While Wriddhiman Saha was struggling to cope with the pace literally of the big league,there were many First-Class players in the reckoning at that time. But somehow,the Bengal wicketkeeper managed to sneak ahead of the rest and make his Test debut,even if it was an unsuccessful one.

He hasnt featured for India since in either the white or blue jersey and just when it looked like the Nagpur match would be his only brush with the national team,Saha was recalled for the ODI series against New Zealand and the squad to South Africa next month.

With Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni granted rest before the long tour of South Africa,the 26-year old has once again jumped the queue ahead of Dinesh Karthik and Parthiv Patel to become the main glovesman for the Indian team. And just like in the longer format,Saha was least expecting the call-up in the one-day side. It has once again come as a huge surprise, Saha said,speaking to The Indian Express from Guwahati,the venue for the first ODI against the Kiwis.

Saha feels that although filling Dhonis shoes for the series is a huge responsibility,the team management has ensured that the pressure will be minimal while playing his first ODI on Sunday.

Everybody has wished me luck. Coach Gary Kirsten is very supportive. So,here I am,raring to go.

Although many seniors have been rested,Saha is confident that the young side picked for the 50-over format is capable of pulling its weight as a team.

This team is not short on experience. So,its not going to be a problem. Personally,Guwahati is a great place to make my debut as I know this ground very well. I have played lots of matches here. I know the conditions and it will work to my advantage.

Story continues below this ad

Long-time coach Palash Nandy feels Saha will fare better in his second debut. We all know he is a very good wicketkeeper. This series is an opportunity for him to prove his quality as a batsman. I believe he will be a success in one-dayers. He can also change his game quickly and blast away at will if needed, Nandy said.

If Saha does manage to chalk up the statistics in his favour,he could soon be in the reckoning for a World Cup squad call-up. But there will be no short-cuts to the front of the waiting line this time,for he will have to hit the high notes starting Sunday against New Zealand.