VVS Laxman reveals why SRH picked Wriddhiman Saha

In the mega-auction ahead of the IPL, the Indian Test team’s wicket-keeper was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad. As the preparation and practice for all franchises is underway, former Indian batsman and current mentor of Sunrisers Hyderabad revealed the reason behind picking Saha in the auction.

While talking to the media in Kolkata, Laxman revealed why the side was willing to spend 5 Crore INR on a wicket-keeper batsman who is not known for his T20 skills despite a number of memorable performances. SRH also retained their star leg-spinner from Afghanistan, Rashid Khan, who has now earned the reputation of being a deceptive wicket-taking bowler across the globe. Naturally, any side that has a quality spinner will benefit with the presence of a specialist wicket-keeper.

“We have Rashid Khan in the squad. He can bowl flipper and googly in his armory. Wridhiman Saha is now the best Wicket Kepper in India. He already did well in the sub-continent. He keeps well when Jadeja and Ashwin bowl in tests.”

“Not only he can keep well but also he can bat well in the shortest format of the game. He can play in any position and he is a terrific run getter,” he added, as reported by xtratime.

Wriddhiman Saha has played 104 IPL matches and scored 1557 runs with a century and 6 half centuries. He got the average of 25.52 and got a very handy strike rate of 130.73. Currently, Saha is recovering from a hamstring injury that he picked up while playing the first rubber because of which he also missed the last two Tests in South Africa. In the first Test in Cape Town, Saha created the record of having snaffled 10 catches in a single Test, going past M.S. Dhoni, who has nine against his name. Saha will be seen in action in the IPL which begins April 7 onwards.