Aim to gather momentum before getting into the South Africa tour, says Saha

INDIA WICKET-KEEPER batsman Wriddhiman Saha has stated that his side aims to win Tests against Sri Lanka in order to gain momentum before flying South Africa for a three-Test, six-ODI and three-T20I tour. 

Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Nagpur, Saha addressed the reporters and revealed that the SA tour in in the back of the players’ minds.  

“I have always believed in a match by match preparation. Yes, SA series is at the back of our minds but when you win a Test match, you take that confidence into the next game and that’s what we are trying to do.”

The opening Test at Kolkata ended in a thrilling draw as the hosts reduced the Lankans to 76 for seven before bad light stopped play. Speaking about the game, Saha said that the performance on the final day has boosted team’s performance. 

“The team morale was fantastic even though we couldn’t bat as per expectation in the first innings. But we made a good comeback in the second innings. Shikhar, Rahul, and Virat batted well and when you get them seven down for less than 100, it automatically boosts your morale. Maybe with a bit more time at our disposal, we could have won.”

The 33-year-old maintained that he has no preference for any batting position and that it is the management who decides the batting order.

“It’s not that I always bat at No 7 (or No 8) as I have batted at No 6 also. We (along with Ashwin and Jadeja) are being rotated as batting position depends on the strength of the opposition bowlers. Favourable conditions determine the slots whether it is Nos 6, 7 or 8. It can be any position as per the team management’s call.” 

Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.