India vs South Africa: Rishabh Pant Dropped; Wriddhiman Saha To Keep Wickets In 1st Test

Mumbai: Confirming the news Virat Kohli said that Wriddhiman Saha will play as the specialist wicketkeeper ahead of Rishabh Pant against South Africa in the three-match Test series.

Virat Kohli also confirmed that off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will make a comeback to Tests.

Rishabh Pant is unlikely to feature in the playing XI in the first Test with Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari and Saha completing the lower-middle order.

“Yes, Saha fit and okay to go. He is going to start the series for us. His credibility is for everyone. He has performed well with the bat whenever he has a chance. It was unfortunate that he was injured. According to me, he is the best protector in the world. It starts for us with these conditions, ”Kohli said on the eve of the first Test.

Saha last played a Test during the tour of South Africa in January 2018. With England in his absence and centuries in England and Australia, Pant became the team’s number one wicketkeeper in the longest format.

Pant has been criticized for careless stroking and this may have been a factor in the team management’s decision to start with Saha.

Team India Squad for 1st Test

Virat Kohli (Capt), Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Md Shami

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