‘Shocked I have been dropped in this way’

KOLKATA: Wriddhiman Saha isn’t part of the Test squad anymore. India are looking for a younger player and Saha, 37, accepts the logic. But he has also indicated that his position was fine even till the New Zealand series. What happened after that? Coach Rahul Dravid offered some clarity on Sunday. Saha opened up to HT. Excerpts

How are you reacting to this transition process?

When Rahul bhai told me, I said ok. I was asked to decide (on retirement) but I believe that is always a personal decision. Chetan bhai also said why I won’t be selected—not performance or fitness but that they want to go with a new face. I asked if it was only for the Sri Lanka series to which he said after a pause, ‘from now on you won’t be considered’. I didn’t ask why.

Are you disappointed?

I am shocked. Especially because Dadi had texted me after the Kanpur Test—I hit 61—saying ‘Well played. You don’t need to worry as long as I’m there’. I think he probably meant for the second spot (reserve keeper) only. He said what he said. If a person of Sourav Ganguly’s stature says something like this, it must have some value. I went with that and now I see this.

Would you have been happy to stay on as backup?

No player wants to stay on the bench. But the ultimate decision rests with the management. Have you heard me complaining why I wasn’t picked? In a country of 140 crore, being in the squad means a lot. From there if I make it to the XI, that’s always better. Even if you don’t, there is pride in being part of the squad.

Don’t you think age is a factor for the selectors?

They are not saying it directly. They are saying they want to try a new face who can be a longterm prospect, possibly because I’m 37-38 now. No one can play till 40 or 50. I understand that. Even before I asked, I was told why I won’t be considered.

But you are still shocked.

Yes. Because the opposite of what I was told happened after that series. Whenever a coach or selection committee head takes such a decision, I’m sure there are more senior people involved. They must have been informed.

So, I was a little shocked.

Would things have been more favourable if batting statistics had been better?

I don’t want to clarify, but I want to raise a few points. I have played three or four Tests outside India. If you go into comparisons, Rishabh has played more matches. Despite that I have heard I don’t have runs abroad. How much can you score if you get to play four matches abroad? 400? 600? 800? Another thing is even in Indian conditions, there were occasions when the team wanted to declare in 3-4 overs. I could have been 10-15 not out if I had wanted. But I always put the team first, probably scored 10 in 4 balls and got out playing shots.

How tough was it to stay in a career that ran alongside Dhoni and then Pant?

I played continuously for almost four years after Mahi bhai retired. Then I had shoulder surgery and Rishabh came. Had I not had the surgery maybe the scenario would have been different. At that point, my doctor told me if this was my last series then I shouldn’t get operated on. I went ahead because I had faith in my ability to come back. I also understood if not first choice, at least I’ll be second-choice keeper.

What are your plans?

I will play IPL for now.

Many hailed you as the best keeper. How difficult was it then to not get to play for most of your career?

I always enjoyed it. I played some innings when the team was struggling, like scoring 25-30 when the team needed a lead. It wasn’t tough. When Mahi bhai played, I knew he was the captain, first keeper. I didn’t have an option really. Had our age gap been like between Rishabh and me (13 years) then it could have been different.

Did prioritising keeping over batting cost games?

Sachin paji was one of the greatest batters of all time. You tell me what I would like to be remembered as: India’s best wicketkeeper or just a mediocre player? Being the best in one field (keeping) and contributing in the other (batting) would have made me happy any day.

But that isn’t the demand.

Maybe that’s why I was sitting out. I believe for Tests you need a keeper who can contribute.