Wriddhiman Saha never found former India coach Anil Kumble strict

Add as a preferred source on Google

Kolkata, Aug 18: Wicketkeeper batsman Wridhhiman Saha said he never found former India head coach Anil Kumble as strict whereas the current coach Ravi Shastri encourages the team to play ruthless cricket.

Citing differences with India skipper Virat Kohli as 'untenable', Kumble - the Indian spin legend - stepped down from his post before team's tour of West Indies.

"I did not feel that way. As a coach, he has to be strict in some way or the other. Some have felt he is strict, some have not. I have never felt that way under Anil bhai," Saha, who returned from Sri Lanka where India completed a 3-0 whitewash in the Test series, told reporters on Friday (August 18).

Saha has been a regular member of India's Test squad ever since former wicketkeeper and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni quit the longest format of the game.

The three-match clean sweep over Sri Lankan was India's 8th consecutive series win - with the stretch beginning over the Islanders in 2015.

Since then, India have clinched Test series against seven different teams: South Africa (3-0), West Indies (2-0 overseas), New Zealand (3-0), England (4-0), Bangladesh (1-0), Australia (2-1) and Sri Lanka (2015 & 2017).

Asked about Team India's ruthless form in Test cricket, Saha said since their loss at Galle two years back, they have had a team meeting and that was the cornerstone to their change in fortunes.

"We lost the Galle Test. Then all the players had a meeting and we are maintaining the momentum from there. It has helped us recharge our batteries. We stuck to a plan and have been executing it so far," the Bengal batsman noted.

On a personal note, Saha said injury kept him out the last time India won against Sri Lanka, so he is happy to be part of a historic triumph this time around.

"I did not play in the first series. In the first two matches, I played. I could not be there during the series win last time, this time I was there to witness the 3-0 whitewash. So it's a good feeling," he felt.

Saha played the first two Tests in 2015 and was replaced by Naman Ojha in the third as he was injured.

The 32-year-old Bengal stumper hasn't looked back since then and his cricket has improved leaps and bounds taking some exquisite catches and scoring runs too with the bat.

The right-handed middle-order batman now has aggregated 1112 runs in 28 Tests with three centuries and five half centuries.

India coach Shastri, recently, said he is just next to MS Dhoni in the pecking order and one of the best keepers in the world. The coach also compared him to former England keeping great Bob Taylor.

"I have not seen Bob Taylor's keeping. I have tried to give my best all the time. I am always ready to create a chance. I am always alert in my area," a humble Saha said.

On his partnership with Bengal pacer Mohammed Shami, who also drew praise from Shastri, Saha said: "It's great that Shami is continuing his aggression after coming back from injury. It is good for him and the team.

"He always creates a wicket taking opportunity. He swings the ball and gets the outside edge of the batsman. I take the catch."

Saha said skipper Kohli bonds with the team really well and that is one sign he likes about the Delhi batsman.

"He is improving with time and his association with players has increased. We dine together and go for outings also together. He is always mingling with us which I see as a plus point in him," he said.