Team India wicket keeper Wriddhiman Saha has made it clear that there is no rivalry or competition of sorts between him and Rishabh Pant, while also praising the latter for his match-winning knock in the Brisbane Test earlier this week.
Pant scored a heroic 89 not out to help India gun down 328 on the final day of the fourth Test which also helped the visitors retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the second time in succession in Australia.
Saha, who is considered to be the best wicketkeeper in international cricket, was initially preferred over Pant in the 1st Test. But lack of runs in Adelaide’s Pink-ball Test saw Saha getting dropped with Pant playing the next three matches.
The 23-year-old’s exploits saw him end up as the highest run-scorer for India in the four-match series with 274 runs from the three Tests he played at an average of 68.50 with two fifties.
“You can ask him (Pant), we have a friendly relationship and help each other whoever gets into the XI. Personally, there’s no conflict with him,” Saha said after returning home following the historic Test series win in Australia.
“I dont’ see who is No.1 or 2… Team will give a chance to those who do better. I will continue to do my job. Selection is not in my hands, it’s up to the management.
“No one learns algebra in class I. You always go step by step. He is giving his best and will definitely improve. He has matured and proved himself. In the long run, it augurs well for the Indian team.
Saha also conceded that Pant was preferred over him in the remaining three Tests because of his failure with the bat at the Adelaide Oval.
“I was unable to score runs that’s why Pant got the chance. It’s as simple as that. I always focused on improving my skills…It’s the same approach now,” he said.
