Wriddhiman Saha tests COVID-19 negative, set to join Team India for England tour

Wriddhiman Saha, the Indian wicketkeeper, is set to be a part of the Indian squad for their upcoming tour of England. The 36-year-old has tested negative for COVID-19 and is currently serving his mandatory quarantine period. Before the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League was suspended for an indefinite period of time, Saha contracted the ungodly virus.

In the IPL, Saha plays for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and their mentor VVS Laxman was surprised how the development unfolded. On the very day when Saha tested positive, the Board of Control for Cricket in India took the call of postponing the tournament. However, the veteran has made a speedy recovery and is geared up to resume national duties.

Wriddhiman Saha up and running

India’s tour of England starts on June 18 with the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Virat Kohli and Co qualified for the game after they beat England at home earlier this year. Prior to that, India also retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia by winning the four-match Test series 2-1.

As far as Saha is concerned, he hasn’t been India’s first-choice keeper for some time. Kohli’s men have preferred Rishabh Pant, who has been exceptional both with the bat and keeping gloves. In the series against Australia and England, Pant scored a whole lot of runs to impress the selectors.

Saha was earlier named in the 20-member squad for the England tour, but his selection depended on fitness clearance. The Bengal cricketer is set to join his national mates, who will quarantine in Mumbai before leaving for England in the month of June.

The Indian players and support staff have been allowed to travel with their families where they would be spending close to three months. The five-match Test series against England begins in the month of August.