IPL 2022: Very impressed with Wriddhiman Saha – GT mentor Gary Kirsten

Gujarat Titans’ mentor Gary Kirsten lavished praise on the team’s wicket-keeper batter Wriddhiman Saha for scoring consistently in the ongoing season of IPL 2022. Saha was not picked in the first few matches as Matthew Wade was given his chances. However, as the Australian could not grab his opportunity, Saha was included in the final XI.

Saha scored another impressive knock of 67 runs off 57 balls against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday to help his team chase down a sub-par score of 134 runs. Thus, Saha was awarded the Player of the Match for his unbeaten knock against the reigning champions.

The right-hander from Bengal has scored 281 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 40.14 and a strike rate of 123.24. Ergo, he has delivered the goods at the top of the order for Gujarat Titans and has played a key role in the success of his team.

Furthermore, Saha has been brilliant behind the stumps as a keeper.

“We have been obviously very impressed (with Saha). It is great to have him in the team. He is a real professional. And he has got good experience in the IPL and in all (forms) of cricket,” Kirsten said at the virtual-post-match press conference.

As Saha is not known for his power-hitting, he has made good use of the PowerPlay overs as he is timing the ball to perfection.

“He understands his game and plays really well in the power-play. For us, he was always an important asset to have when we needed him and he has come in and done really well,” said the South African, who has also coached India in the past.

“I don’t think there is any specific (thing) that we need to say to him (Saha) because he knows how to play the power-play really well. The most important thing is guys (players) play to their strengths and abilities. He is a great player of the short ball.”

Gujarat Titans will finish the league stage at the numero uno position even if they will lose their last game. GT will next face Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday.