Wriddhiman Saha prefers the shorter formats of the game

When donning the all-whites, the little man Wriddhiman Saha has done a commendable job behind the wickets for India. He’s cemented his place in India’s Test team as a first-choice wicket-keeper.

In a country that has MS Dhoni keeping wickets, it’s almost impossible to make it into India’s playing XI as a wicket-keeper. But since Dhoni hung up his boots for the longest format of the game, Saha has been a regular behind the stumps and has impressed one and all with his skills.

Although a branded Test specialist, Saha told The Telegraph that he prefers the shorter formats of the game. “Yes, it’s a fact that my preference is for the two shorter formats. My average for Bengal, I think, is good in the 50-over game and fairly good in the T20 matches,” the wicket-keeper batsman said.

“Besides, I’ve got a 55-ball 115 not out (for Kings XI Punjab) in the 2014 IPL final against the Kolkata Knight Riders,” Saha told The Telegraph on Friday.

Saha has played 9 ODIs but is yet to represent India in the shortest format of the game. “I’ve given you my preference, but I’m aware that the call is always taken by the selectors. It’s not something I’d lose sleep over. At this point, the selectors feel that I’m suited for Test cricket and that’s something I accept and respect,” the 32-year-old said.

The wicket-keeper batsman, who showed his prowess with the bat in the series against Australia, was a regular in India’s grand home season. Nevertheless, he missed out on a few Tests against England with a left thigh strain, making way for Parthiv Patel to come into the team.

Saha, currently with the Kings XI Punjab, now looks to make it count in the upcoming season of the IPL and hopes to recreate his team’s performance in the 2014 edition of the tournament. Coming out from a lengthy season of Test cricket, he feels adapting to T20s shouldn’t be a problem.

“I don’t expect it to be an issue for me,” Saha pointed out. “Actually, it’s tougher if you’re coming from the T20 format to Test cricket,” he added.

Saha has requested his team’s administration that he will be joining the team a couple of days late. “After criss-crossing the country right through the season, even a few days more with (wife) Debarati and daughter Anvi are welcome,” the wicket-keeper said.

The Kings XI Punjab will clash against the Rising Pune Supergiant at Indore’s Holkar Stadium, for their first game of the tournament on April 8.