Indian selectors missed a trick by not selecting Wriddhiman Saha for WTC final, feels Anil Kumble

In December 2021, Wriddhiman Saha played his last test match for Team India.

Just a week after the IPL 2023 final in Ahmedabad on 28th May, Team India will take on Australia in ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval from 7th June. Team India just two weeks ago picked up a 15-member squad to take on Australia in the WTC final. In the absence of Rishabh Pant, they have picked KS Bharat as a lone specialist wicket-keeper in the squad. They were looking at KL Rahul as the second-choice option but he was also ruled out due to Hamstring injury. Now, In Rahul’s absence, selectors have picked Ishan Kishan in the team. Former Indian captain Anil Kumble after this selection felt that selectors have ‘missed a trick’ by avoiding Wriddhiman Saha’s name for the WTC Final. 

Kumble feels Saha should've been selected

Legendary leg spinner Anil Kumble said, “Look at Wriddhiman Saha behind the stumps, he’s been outstanding through this season, not just behind the stumps even in front of the stumps for Gujarat Titans”. Wriddhiman Saha has been batting magnificently for the Titans in the IPL 2023. Kumble further added, “He’s been consistent, goes unnoticed behind the stumps but he’s one of India’s best… I think selectors have missed a trick for the WTC Final. He’s someone who should be a part of that squad”. Wriddhiman Saha has scored 273 runs in 11 innings for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023. He batted with an aggressive approach and had a magnificent time behind the stumps as well. 

India’s leading wicket-taker in International cricket, Anil Kumble also praised KS Bharat but he felt Saha should have been given priority over others. He said, “I know KS Bharat is in the team, he’s done well whenever he’s got the opportunity but Wriddhiman Saha is outstanding behind the stumps and he’s done exceptionally well whenever the opportunity has come his way even with the batting”. Wriddhiman Saha has played 40 test matches for Team India, He is out of the Indian test team after the 2021 home series against New Zealand.