Wriddhiman Saha is the eternal optimist and pragmatist. He does not rule out a chance to be India wicketkeeper again and refuses to be bogged down by having to grace the domestic scene with very limited international opportunities on the horizon
Saha is in Mumbai to play for Bengal in their Ranji Trophy clash against the hosts at the Brabourne Stadium.
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The 28-year-old, who has played two Tests and three ODIs, pouched two catches and stumped Mumbai opener Kaustubh Pawar in the first innings of the ongoing game, spoke to MiD DAY.
Wriddhiman Saha. PIC/AFP
Excerpts:
Is it frustrating to be in the reserves for a long time?
I quite enjoy the struggle. You may not believe this, but ask any of my teammates and they will tell you the same thing. I find this waiting period quite challenging. Many players get demoralised when they don’t get a chance in spite of performing well. But I don’t get demotivated. I take it as a challenge. If I score say 1000 runs in a year and still don’t get an opportunity, I aim to score 1500 to 2000 runs. Rather than thinking why I am not selected, I look at it this way - what more should I do?
How do you motivate yourself?
My aim is to perform well because my team needs a good performance. Thoughts of selection are the last to enter my mind. And anyway, it is not in my hands. So, I don’t lose heart. If I deserve a chance, I will get it.
When do you fancy your India chances?
At the moment, I only fancy my chances when Dhoni gets injured or opts to rest for a series. I hope it will happen soon (laughs). If I keep performing consistently, I will get my chance. I never take anything for granted. I maybe a reserve India wicketkeeper at the moment, but nothing is guaranteed in cricket.
Can you talk about the time you have spent with Dhoni?
It is interesting to know how he prepares for a match. It is different for everyone. From Dhoni, I got to learn his presence of mind. He gets his timing right always.
During the Adelaide Test match (where Dhoni was banned earlier this year), he guided me what to do for spinners and pacers. He gave me tips on how to handle the Indian spinners as they can get good bounce from the surface; To keep soft hands as the ball will not turn much and many such things.
Are you happy with the way your career has panned out?
My performance is the ultimate yardstick to judge how I have fared. Irrespective of whatever format that I am playing, I have to do well. I am only given a chance when Dhoni takes rest. I have to consistently perform well to be in the reckoning. So, whenever an opportunity is there, I have to be ready to deliver.
What are your expectations from this season?
I don’t keep goals for the whole season. I take one match at a time and then review it. The goal is to achieve all that I had thought of in the match. u00a0
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