WATCH: Wriddhiman Saha Dives Valiantly to Save Four Wides off Noor Ahmad vs Rajasthan Royals at SMS Stadium

Indian Premier League 2023 Match 48 between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans in Jaipur ended up becoming another instance where veteran wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha‘s prowess behind the stumps was there to be seen.

With a couple of GT wrist-spinners dominating the proceedings tonight, an agile and skillful Saha had a lot of work to do. Saha, 38, didn’t get to complete a catch or affect a stumping dismissal but he didn’t need to become a part of a dismissal to showcase his exemplary dexterity.

The pinnacle moment of Saha’s glovework was witnessed in what would’ve been the last delivery of the 14th over. Noor Ahmad’s (2/25) attempt of bowling a googly to Shimron Hetmyer (7) backfiring required Saha to dive down the leg side valiantly in order to save four wides. Saha, whose quick reflexes allowed him to do the same, was seen registering a full-length dive without any prior footwork to stop the ball from going past him.

“Wow! The wrong one, just kept going further and further down leg,” commentators said on-air to describe Saha’s effort. The extent of Saha’s dive can be judged from the fact that it would’ve easily been a wide ball to a right-handed batter as well.

Wriddhiman Saha Dives Valiantly to Save Four Wides off Noor Ahmad

“The later I try and move to Rashid [Khan] and Noor [Ahmad], the more it helps me to make up even if I can’t read the googly,” Saha told host broadcaster Star Sports Network before laying emphasis on keeping his hands close to the ground till as late as possible.

Opening the batting with Shubman Gill (36), Saha was part of a couple of partnerships which allowed Gujarat to chase down a 119-run target in 13.5 overs.

Part of a 58-ball 71-run opening stand, the right-handed batter then played second fiddle in a 25-ball 48-run second-wicket stand alongside captain Hardik Pandya (39*).

In fact, even Pandya was appreciative of Saha’s keeping at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Friday. “I have always found Wriddhi [Wriddhiman Saha] as one of the best keepers I have played it. The way he adds value and does the job for us is tremendous,” Pandya told Star Sports during the post-match presentation ceremony.