Saha is first choice keeper for Tests: Kohli

Test skipper Virat Kohli on Monday said that Bengal's Wriddhiman Saha will be the first choice wicketkeeper when the Indian cricket team takes on the West Indies in a four-match series later this month.

Prior to the team's departure for the Caribbean, Kohli said young Lokesh Rahul is an opening batsman and a part-time keeper but Saha being the specialist keeper can make those half-chances count in the longer version of the game.

"Obviously whenever Rahul played, he has played as an opener or as a back-up option for the opening slot. I think it is up to the team management to take a call on the batting combination but as wicketkeeping goes, Saha being a specialist keeper is always the first choice," Kohli told reporters here.

"Saha's batting has also improved a lot in the last few months and we can bank on him as he is a quality glovesman who can grab those half chances."

Kohli, who has captained Rahul in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side during the Indian Premier League (IPL), said the Karnataka batsman has worked a lot on his wicketkeeping and can be a handy option.

"KL has worked a lot on his keeping and will be a handy option if Saha has an injury. He is an established Test batsman who can also keep wickets. If Rahul has to replace Saha, the middle order batting will be boosted but being a specialist, Saha gets the preference," he said.

--IANS

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