Indian wicket-keeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha said the century was a special milestone for him considering that he has played just 20 Tests thus far.
Speaking to media at the end of the day’s play, Saha rated the Bangladesh attack more challenging than the Gujarat bowling in the Irani Trophy match where he hit a double century.
“But, my approach has been the same in both the matches. Initially, I got a chance but importantly I carried on with positive intent,” the India stumper pointed out.
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“Definitely, I value my half-centuries against New Zealand more than this century because my team needed contribution then and the quality of the bowling was also good,” Saha remarked.
On his captain Virat Kohli’s successful challenge against an lbw decision, Saha recalled that the former thought he was out. “But, I told him that he has probably stretched his front foot more. Hopefully, the impact may be outside the line and the ball had spun slightly. It might be missing the leg-stump, I felt. So, he took the call and was successful in the challenge,” the wicket-keeper pointed out.
Saha also revealed that Sanjay Bhaiyya (Sanjay Bangar) advised him during the tea-break to play straight and then hit out as he needed 17 runs to reach the century. “I just followed his advice and am glad with my effort,” he added.
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On batting with Kohli, Saha said the latter backs anyone who bats with him. “He would always tell you that play your natural game. If you feel you can hit the ball, go for it. That’s why I tried playing that shot (referring to the missed stumping chance) but Virat said that it’s not a problem, if you again get a chance, hit it. He always gives you confidence which is a plus,” he explained.
On the option of taking the DRS when eventually Kohli was dismissed, Saha said the captain was 100 per cent sure he was out. “He didn’t take a chance and saved a DRS for the team,” he added.
Referring to Parthiv Patel, Saha mentioned that whenever he got injured the former performed well. “But, may be, after my double century in Irani Trophy, the selectors took a decision which everyone needed to accept,” he pointed out.
On captain Kohli backing those coming back from injuries, Saha felt it was a great plus for the players. “If you are clearly told that as and when you recover you will be back in the team, individual gets more motivated and that reflects in your performance,” he said.
We can fight back
For his part, Bangladesh off-spinner Mehedi Hasan felt that his team could still fight back.
“We scored close to 600 against New Zealand in a Test match recently and so we have the confidence that we can make a match over the next few days,” Mehedi said.
“Fielding lapses are part and parcel of the game. We have to move on. It is a huge learning experience for all the bowlers to bowl against some of the best batsmen in the world,” he said. “Yes, watching these great players like Kohli on TV and then bowling to them is a different kind of experience. A huge learning curve for all of us indeed,” he remarked.
“Against England we bowled on turning tracks but here it is a flat one and so we were not that effective,” the Bangla slow bowler said.