Wriddhiman Saha: Five interesting facts about the keeper-batsman

Wriddhiman Saha, who was the primary wicket-keeper for the Indian squad in the recently concluded South Africa Test series, celebrated his 35th birthday on Thursday. Saha, who made his debut in 2010, has been a fluctuating fixture in the Indian line-up in the last nine years. This statistic in no way means that the Bengali wicket-keeper/batsman is short of talent. On his 35th birthday, we take a look at five interesting facts about Saha's career. 

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First centurion in an IPL final

Saha was an integral part of the Kings XI Punjab squad in 2014. Saha served as the team's primary wicket-keeper throughout the IPL season. In the finals, he almost brought Kings XI their first IPL trophy when he smashed the KKR bowlers to become the first-ever centurion in an IPL final with his 115* that came off 55 balls. His innings included 10 fours and 8 sixes.

Fastest T20 century ever, technically...

Saha was playing a club T20 match in the JC Mukherjee Trophy in 2018 for his team, Mohun Bagan. He ended up helping his team chase 151 runs in seven overs after he opened the innings. Saha scored an unbeaten 102 in a mere 20 balls. The World Record does not stand in the record books since it did not happen in a board-approved 'professional match'. Saha hit 14 sixes in this innings. 

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Saha has played for four IPL teams

Saha, who had been a vital member of his team, had played for four different teams over the course of the IPL. Saha got his IPL contract after a spectacular Ranji performance and became a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Saha then went on to become a part of the Chennai Super Kings as their backup wicket-keeper. After this stint, Saha joined the Kings XI Punjab in 2014. He proved to be a vital batsman for the team with his unbeaten innings of 115* runs in the 2014 finals and another innings 93* runs against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede in 2017. Saha then joined the Sunrisers Hyderabad whom he currently plays for. 

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He has never played a T20 International for India

Although a lot of Saha's heroics have to do with the shortest format of the game, Wriddhiman has never been a part of the Indian T20 lineup. This can be attributed to the presence of MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant and their roles as the fearless batsmen they are. Saha may make his T20 debut for India soon.

Maiden century

Saha's maiden Test century came against the West Indies in 2016. Thanks to his innings, the Indian team ended up winning the match. Saha's innings included 13 fours. 

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