Daniel Vettori lavishes praise on in-form Gujarat Titans opener Wriddhiman Saha

 

Despite not being Gujarat Titans’ first choice in the starting XI, veteran wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha has forced his name back into contention with a flurry of strong and consistent performances. Opening the batting with youngster Shubman Gill, he adds the necessary security as well as impetus needed for the batting unit either to set a total or to chase a target.

Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has been left extremely impressed by Saha’s performances in the ongoing IPL 2022 campaign. Following Gujarat Titans’ comfortable seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings, Vettori highlighted Saha’s consistency and pointed out that he has had a significant impact on the season. He also pointed out that the right-handed batter has continually amassed runs in the powerplay which have been crucial for his side’s fortunes. It has also taken the pressure off the shoulders of the other batters in the side.

“We need to give a lot of credit to Wriddhiman Saha. He has been very consistent and has given his side enough runs in the powerplay to not put too much pressure on Shubman Gill or Hardik Pandya. He’s been a real catalyst for them in going from just winning games to winning them comfortably,” Vettori told ESPNCricinfo.

The 37-year-old notched up a wonderful and composed half-century in the previous match against CSK. Chasing a target of 134, he remained not out on 67 off 57 deliveries and slammed eight fours and a six to see his team cross the finish line with eight wickets in hand and with five balls to spare.

Wriddhiman Saha has amassed 281 runs from eight matches in IPL 2022 at an average of 40.14 and a strike rate of over 123. He has also scored three half-centuries and has the highest score of 68.

Speaking about Gujarat Titans, Piyush Chawla added in the same segment that although it is their maiden Indian Premier League campaign, their players have plenty of experience of playing T20 cricket and the side is extremely balanced.

However, the former Indian leg-spinner suggested that GT should look to bring back Kiwi speed merchant Lockie Ferguson for the all-important playoff matches as he has the ability to be a matchwinner.

“GT are a new team but the players are still old and have enough experience of playing in the IPL. They have gelled really well and they have looked quite balanced. They could just look to make one or two changes now. I would like to see Lockie Ferguson back for the big games because he is a matchwinner.”