'I benefited a lot just by talking to Mahi bhai' - Wriddhiman Saha recalls spending time with MS Dhoni

Since the time, one of the best captains of the era MS Dhoni has bid farewell to his international cricket stint, fans and teammates are unstoppable at sharing their moments, experiences, joys with him. Test wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha came up with his thoughts on captain cool.

He is of the opinion that Dhoni possessed natural wicket-keeping skills and just by having a conversation with him, the 35-year-old learnt a lot about batting and keeping.

Saha is considered as one of the most technically equipped fielders in the world who played his debut Test under MS against South Africa in 2010. Saha also played for CSK in the IPL for three seasons (2011-13) under the captaincy of captain cool yet again.

The current Test keeper told Deep Dasgupta in a videocast hosted by ESPNcricinfo– “I spoke to him about other keepers as well, I always felt that Dhoni was a more natural wicketkeeper compared to others. I benefited a lot just by talking to Mahi bhai.”

“When Mahi bhai is free, he likes to play computer games, so I don’t disturb him often, but I used to talk to him during our practice sessions. I also interacted quite a bit with Dhoni when I was a part of the CSK squad for three years, I talked to him about various things including how to bat and keep in different conditions,” added Saha.

Wriddhiman Saha was never an option till MS Dhoni played

Keeping in mind the class and skills of Ranchi stalwart, there was never a second thought for Indians about wicketkeeper. Dhoni had 829 dismissals, 3^rd highest by wicket-keeper and maximum stumpings (195) to his credit. But as soon as he announced his Test retirement in 2014, Saha got the chance to fill his shoes.

Saha has scored 1238 runs in Tests so far with an average of 30.19. He has the credit of taking 92 catches and 11 stumpings in the same format of the game.

Saha missed a lot on international cricket owing to his finger and shoulder injuries but is expected to move with Men in Blue to Australia later this year. With Dhoni not being on the side, he would be carrying heavy expectations from fans in the series.