Wriddhiman Saha admits MS Dhoni is hard to replace

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha admitted that it will be hard to replicate the success of his predecessor MS Dhoni, Times of India reports. The 30-year-old revealed that he has been taking short-ball training as part of his preparations for the upcoming four-match Test series between India and South Africa.

Saha has been handling the wicketkeeping duties since Dhoni retired from the longer format of the game in December last year, but is under no illusions as to the big shoes he has to fill. The Bengal and Kings XI Punjab stumper remarked that his abilities pale in comparison to Dhoni and added that it will take a long time before he can even come remotely close to being discussed in the same breath as Dhoni.

"It's not easy to come out of MS Dhoni's shadows considering his achievements. I have played only a few Test matches and I need to play a lot more before I can carve a niche on my own. If you ask me MS is 9/10 and I am 2.5/10," he said. “Why he is 9 and I am 2.5? Because his achievements are such. One of the finest ODI players and also had accomplishments in Test cricket. He has had many crucial Test match knocks. I have to play a few myself before I come out of his shadows."

Saha has the backing of Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli who has previously stated that he had the capabilities to remain India’s glovesman for the next five years. However, Saha is wary of the competition he has from the likes of Naman Ojha, who had replaced Saha in the third Test between Sri Lanka and India played in August after the latter had picked up an injury.

“It's simple. If I perform I will play and if its Naman, who performs it will be him. I am under no illusions. I have got chances in two games because I scored two half centuries. If I don't perform I would be replaced. That holds for any cricket team. When you are a relative newcomer, chances will be less compared to established names, who would get more chances. But you have to grab whatever comes your way," he said.

With Kohli publically stating his intention of going in with five bowlers in Test cricket, there is added pressure on Saha to perform with the bat coming in at No 6 and he is more than ready to handle the responsibility.

"I don't think I have problems With batting No 6. I have batted against (the) second new ball and with the tail also. So I think it is not as big an issue it is made out to be. I am comfortable batting at No. 6," the 30-year old said.

Talking about his preparations for the Test series against South Africa which begins in November, Saha revealed that he has been paying attention to facing the short pitch stuff from the likes of Steyn and Morkel.

"Obviously, with Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, both pace and bounce would be (a) factor. I have done separate training against short ball in Kolkata recently. Taking throwdowns with emphasis on rising deliveries. I have confidence that I can tackle both Steyn and Morkel."