New Delhi:
Wriddhiman Saha is considered to be one of the best wicketkeepers for India in the Test arena. His fantastic keeping and his sound judgment while taking the Decision Review System, in addition to his gritty batting make him a valuable asset in the side. His keeping was one of the driving factors during India's 3-0 whitewash of South Africa in the recently concluded Test series. During the first Test against Bangladesh in Indore, with India losing the toss and being inserted into the field on a fresh pitch, Saha got a chance to create a special record. Ishant Sharma pitched a full length delivery outside off from round the wicket and lured Shadman Islam into the drive.
However, the ball moved away a fraction and a thin outside edge was taken by Saha who appealed and the umpire raised the finger. The catch was Saha's 300th in First Class cricket and he entered a special list of Indian players following the achievement. MS Dhoni, who retired from Tests in 2014, has 364 catches in his first-class career while Nayan Mongia, who was India's regular keeper during the decade of the 90s, has 353 dismissals. However, the leading wicketkeeper for India when it comes to First Class cricket is Farokh Engineer, who had taken 704 catches in 335 matches starting from 1958 to 1976.
The leading keeper from the subcontinent is Pakistan's Kamran Akmal, who took 845 catches from 241 games from 1997 till the present. The wicketkeeper with the most catches in First Class cricket is England's Bob Taylor who took 1473 catches in his 28-year playing career from 1960 to 1988. There are only 10 players who have taken over 1000 catches in First Class cricket and all of them are England players.
Also Read | Wriddhiman Saha's Catching Leaves Pune Fans In Awe During India Vs South Africa Test
Apart from Taylor, Bert Strudwick, Allan Knott, Jack Russell, Steve Rhodes, Brian Taylor, Jim Parks, Chris Read and Frank Woolley are the others who have taken over 1000 catches. The efforts of Saha in Indore only confirm his growing stature in Indian cricket as he continues to serve Virat Kohli's team with great efficiency.
