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In a big relief for India in their second innings, it is being learned that wicketkeeper batter Wriddiman Saha is padded up and ready to bat in the second innings. The update comes after the right-handed batter could not take the field on Day 3 due to a stiff neck. In his absence, KS Bharat had to keep wickets and the Andhra Pradesh stumper did a good job behind the stumps, completing some difficult takes on a surface that was turning square and keeping low at times.
While the Men in Blue had taken a 49-run lead in the first innings, the Kiwi bowlers were up to the task and had reduced the hosts to 51/5 inside 20 overs before a partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and fresh from a debut hundred in the first innings Shreyas Iyer. The two have stitched the highest partnership of the innings so far, adding 33 runs unseparated, and taking the score to 84/5 at Lunch on Day 4.
Although there were some doubts over Saha's fitness, the news of him being fit to bat could be a reassurance although the Indian dugout would not want to see him bat anytime soon until they have a sizable total on the board.
Still remember Rahul Dravid raving about KS Bharat’s wicketkeeping skills: Wriddhiman Saha
Meanwhile, Bharat's keeping skills has impressed one and all and even former India cricketer VVS Laxman recalled Rahul Dravid telling him that his glovework second only to Saha.
"I still remember Rahul Dravid raving about KS Bharat’s wicketkeeping skills. He told me that Bharat has good keeping skills, next only to Wriddhiman Saha in Indian cricket. It’s good to see him repaying the faith of the selectors and the head coach. I think he has justified the confidence shown in him by the selectors and the coach," Laxman said on Star Sports.
"In these quality spin conditions, if you don't have a reliable wicketkeeper, then you're going to miss a lot of chances. What we saw today was great technique and great presence of mind. He didn't panic at all for someone who has come into this team recently and got to play only because Saha was injured. Fantastic experience for Bharat. This will give him a lot of confidence going forward in his career," the 47-year-old added.