Wriddhiman-Saha

Picture Credit: BCCI

Wriddhiman Saha, who is India's first-choice backup wicketkeeper in Tests, has completely recovered from his stiff neck issue, Indian skipper Virat Kohli confirmed. Kohli, who himself is returning after a break, will be leading Team India in the second and final Test match against New Zealand that is slated to kick off on December 3 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

Notably, Wriddhiman Saha had complained of a stiff neck on the morning of Day 3 during Kanpur Test which saw KS Bharat replacing him for both the time India fielded post that. However, Saha is fit now and is more likely to keep his spot in the team. Kohli shared the relieving news of Saha's fitness for the Indian fans at the virtual press conference on the eve of the second Test. “Saha is fit as of now and he has completely recovered from a stiff neck issue,” the skipper said.

Playing XI will depend on the weather conditions in Mumbai: Kohli

Notably, the return of Kohli into the team comes as a healthy problem for the Indian team selectors as Shreyas Iyer, who was most likely to warm the bench on Kohli's return, scored 105 and 65 in his maiden Test at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium. Skipper Kohli said that the playing condition will determine the team India will be going with in the game.

“The combination of the playing XI we have to discuss, keeping in mind the weather conditions in Mumbai. We can’t assume that weather will be like this on all five days of the Test match,” he said.

“All the members of the team understand where the team is placed. We always communicate well and if someone needs to be dropped it is combination based. This is not a difficult task when there is collective trust in the team as we prioritise the team first. The discussion always happens in our team in a rounded manner,” he added.