I am a wicketkeeper first, then a batsman: Wriddhiman Saha

Wriddhiman Saha will return to face former side Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday for the first time since his 55-ball 115 in the 2014 IPL final for Kings XI Punjab – the mammoth innings, the only century ever scored in an IPL final, which had failed to halt the Knight Riders’ charge towards a second title win last season. Despite his improved batting, Saha emphasises that he identifies himself as a wicketkeeper more than as a batsman.

Saha said, “I am a wicketkeeper first, then a batsman. I have always believed wicketkeeping is my primary skill. I have been working on my batting ever since I started representing Bengal in junior cricket.

“Once I started playing the under-19s and under-22s for Bengal, I realised that I had to chip in with the bat as well, so I started going into the nets and working on my batting even after finishing all my keeping drills. So far it has worked for me. I just hope I can keep on improving”.

The 30-year-old finds himself in an undesignated batting position in a Kings XI order which includes hard-hitters like Glenn Maxwell, David Miller, George Bailey and others, but somehow the unassuming wicketkeeper managed to overshadow the flamboyant Virender Sehwag during their 71-run partnership against Delhi Daredevils.

“T20 format is such that you have to be flexible," Saha said. "Lots of factors go into deciding our batting order. Whether a specific batsman can target one of the bowlers in the attack at the fall of a wicket, or if we want running of the wickets to be complimented at the stage of the match.

No additional pressure on replacing Dhoni: Saha

Wriddhiman Saha came into the spotlight after being part of the very first Kolkata Knight Riders side, the franchise which he represented from 2008 to 2011. His glovework in the IPL earned him a call-up to the India A squad to tour Israel, and he was eventually anointed permanent reserve wicketkeeper in Tests as cover for Indian captain MS Dhoni from 2011/12 onwards.

On being asked whether Dhoni’s retirement from Tests and his own enhanced batting reputation mean that there is increased pressue on him, Saha said, “It hasn't changed much. Dhoni's retirement has given me an opportunity to keep wickets in Tests. It doesn't put additional pressure on me. I just have to keep doing what I have been all these years. I am confident I can deliver.

“Consistent performances will help me get a place in the (Indian) team. I try to do well and Parthiv also does his bit. But I don’t consider him as a competitor.”