When one thinks of India’s finest wicket-keeper batters, MS Dhoni’s name inevitably tops the list. His explosive batting, cool leadership, and agile glove work have earned him legendary status. Yet, pure keeping brilliance—those split-second dives, lightning-fast stumpings, and unflappable composure behind the stumps—finds another standout in Wriddhiman Saha. Praised by former India fielding coach R Sridhar as arguably the best pure keeper he has ever worked with, Saha’s meticulous technique and steely focus make him a bowler’s dream and a captain’s reassurance.
Former India fielding coach shares his thoughts on Wriddhiman Saha and MS Dhoni
Saha’s technique is a lesson in itself. Videos of his work reveal a keeper who anticipates each ball’s trajectory before it leaves the bowler’s hand, setting his stance and gloves in perfect harmony. Unlike the flamboyant theatrics often associated with stumping, Saha’s approach is understated precision. Whether it’s the faintest edge on a seaming delivery or the softest turn off a spinner’s fingertip, his hands move in a blink, covering every inch of the zone behind the wickets.
Sridhar, reflecting on Saha’s skills, remarked, “He has a great pair of gloves, and a terrific attitude. Very coachable—knows exactly what he needs to work on and brings unmatched commitment as a keeper.”
It’s this relentless dedication to pure craft that sets Saha apart. In the absence of Dhoni, Saha never felt like a mere understudy; he transformed every opportunity into a demonstration of keeping excellence, leaving batter unsettled and bowlers emboldened.
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Revelation of the best Indian wicket-keeper
Saha’s quiet demeanour belies the immense confidence he instils in his team. Unlike vocal keepers who chirp and cajole bowlers, he brings a silent assurance—his presence alone lifts the entire bowling unit.
Sridhar pointed out, “He wasn’t the best of chirpers, but the confidence he gave to his captain and bowlers, knowing Saha is behind the stumps, is enormous.” That unspoken trust creates a psychological edge: bowlers can attack relentlessly, secure in the knowledge that any edge or misstep will be safely handled.
Over an 11-year Test career, Saha featured in 40 matches, claiming 92 catches and executing 12 stumpings, figures that highlight his reliability and reflexes. With the bat, he notched 1,353 runs at an average of 30, including three centuries and six half-centuries—solid contributions for someone often drafted primarily for glovework. While his Test appearances were curtailed by Dhoni’s enduring presence, every outing underscored why Sridhar firmly placed him among the top two Indian keepers ever.
In distinction from Dhoni’s all-round prowess—where leadership, batting fireworks, and keeping combine—Saha’s legacy rests solely on his wicket-keeping artistry. As Sridhar candidly stated, “MS Dhoni is of course number one as a complete package, but Wriddhiman Saha, as a keeper alone, is top.” And in that pure craft of glove work, Saha indeed stands shoulder to shoulder with India’s greatest.
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