IPL 2023: Wriddhiman Saha insists he's 'only focused on doing well for GT', not eyeing India comeback

While making their way back into the Indian side is top of the agenda for most experienced cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) like Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha has his focus remains on doing well for Gujarat Titans.

“He (Rahane) might have been reconsidered because he has done well. But I’m only focused on doing well for GT as of now,” Saha told reporters, when asked if he’s also eyeing an India comeback after Rahane was picked for the WTC Final.

Saha last played for India in red-ball cricket in December 2021, was asked to “move on” and later fell out with then BCCI president Sourav Ganguly after his public outburst in the media.

He also snapped his 15-year association with his home state Bengal and moved to Tripura as mentor-cum-player.

“Kolkata is my home, I’ve played many matches here. Now, I’m playing for an away team. Motera is my home (in IPL). Conditions are different.”

The advent of T20 cricket may have given rise to wicketkeeper-batters with a slam-bang approach, but Saha’s philosophy is different.

“I’ve always been a wicketkeeper first, then a batter. I still have the same belief in me. I don’t know about other keepers. In my point of view, someone who does well as a wicketkeeper and then contribute for the team is better,” Saha said.

Despite giving the team a brisk start, a big score is still eluding Saha.

“I always tried to give a good start. I’m happy if I get the team momentum. A hundred does not matter if your team goes on to lose. I’m happy with scoring a 25 or 50 if the team wins.”

The last time both teams clashed, KKR pulled off a heist at Motera where Rinku Singh smashed Yash Dayal five sixes in a row in the final over of the game.

“Such things happen once in 1000 or one lakh matches. It was Rinku’s day, not Yash’s.”

Saha said that loss will have no bearing on this match.

But since that match, the rookie GT pacer Dayal is down with an illness and has not played.

“His illness has nothing to getting hit for five sixes. It’s not game related.

“He has been suffering from heat fever. He has been unwell. Mentally he is okay. You have to face such situations.”

“He didn’t get his yorkers right that night. We all have boosted him up. He’s better now. There is no connection with this match,” Saha said.

With inputs from PTI

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