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'Keeper Saha is an ideal replacement for Dhoni'
Replacing the Indian captain in a Test match is not an easy job but former wicketkeepers feel that Wriddhiman Saha's calm demeanour could be an advantage when he dons the gloves during the final Test against Australia in Adelaide, starting on January 24.
"I believe this is a make-or-break chance for Wriddhiman Saha. Replacing someone like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, though for a match, is not an easy job. But if he can manage a decent
performance like --- keep well and bat for about two and half hours and score a 50, his place as second 'keeper will be sealed," former India stumper and chairman of selectors Kiran More said on Thursday.
For More, it's Wriddhiman's good work with the gloves that makes him more of a 'keeper-batsman and if Dhoni retires from Tests after 2013, he would be an ideal choice in longer version.
"Wriddhiman is a technically correct 'keeper. But Test cricket is a different ball game. He has been on a number of Test tours and must have adjusted to dressing room environment by now. A good show in Adelaide will mean that India will have an ideal replacement, if Dhoni calls time on Test cricket in 2013," More added.
'Best 'keeper in the country'
Many people are still not convinced about the Bengal boy's ability with the bat but Deep Dasgupta, who has seen Saha from his U-19s days, feels otherwise.
"An average of 41 plus for a 'keeper-batsman is decent. He is a good No 7 batsman considering that he is a cut above the rest when it comes to glovework. Also he is a very cool customer. He doesn't get flustered too easily and the fact that he has had a week to prepare himself mentally is a big plus," Dasgupta, who is now chairman of Bengal selectors feels.
Another former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya straightaway termed Wriddhiman as the "best wicketkeeper in the country."
"I have always said for past two years that Wriddhiman is the best wicketkeeper in the country. I feel that this is a chance that he should grab with both hands. He shouldn't be under any kind of pressure as he has nothing to lose," Dahiya concluded.