Indian keeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha may be ruled out of the India-England Test series due to injury.
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The 3-match T20I Series has already been won by India and a three match three match ODI series is scheduled next. Once the limited-overs leg would be done and dusted, both teams will lock horns for a long five match Test series.
Saha is part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise in the IPL and suffered a lethal thumb injury while facing a bumper from Shivam Mavi. At that time, the extent of the injury was not certain but Saha had to miss out the one-off Test against Afghanistan and the injury has aggravated since then.
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However his performances have not been up to the mark with the bat. Dinesh Kathik is India’s next wicket-keeper in line. Notwithstanding the fact that he is a brilliant keeper, Dinesh Karthik has been stellar in the IPL.
It was very unfortunate that Karthik got run out in the test match against Afghanistan but he presents a very strong case for selection on the UK tour. The Tamil Nadu keeper-batsman has a good enough technique and has improved his keeping by leaps and bounds.
“The injury is more serious than it seemed. He is still wearing a soft plaster on his thumb. He is going through his fitness drills and very little cricket. It will be a huge risk if he goes to England with even one percent doubt in his mind. The selectors will pick a day for selection in another two days,” said a source.
Karthik can be instrumental for the balance of the side. The team management can then think of dropping Hardik Pandya and playing with 5 complete bowlers as Dinesh Karthik will then serve as the sixth batsman.