Mumbai, India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey on Wednesday said that the management will take a call on wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha’s availability closer to the second Test against New Zealand, which is scheduled between December 3-7 at Wankhede Stadium.
Saha sustained stiffness in his neck which subsequently prevented him from keeping in the first Test in Kanpur. Substitute wicket-keeper KS Bharat kept the wickets in Saha's absence.
“The physios are in touch constantly with the head coach Rahul (Dravid) and obviously Virat (Kohli) now and as we get closer to the game, we will take a call and see what condition he is in,” Mhambrey said in a virtual press conference.
In spite of being in pain, Saha scored a fighting 61 not out in the second innings on day four which put the hosts in the driver's seat. Before Saha walked in, India were reduced to 51 runs for the loss of five wickets.
“But obviously with whatever he (Saha) has been through, I think (it was a) fabulous effort in the last Test match to bat in that. It was painful, we realise that but he put his hand up and said the team wanted it and he delivered it for the team, really happy to see that,” he added.
India failed to give a good start as both the experienced batters Ajinkya Rahana and Chesteshwar Pujara are suffering from a lean phase. However, the India bowling coach echoed head coach Rahul Dravid's comments following the first Test.
Mhambrey backed the senior players, saying the duo are only one innings away from coming to form.
"We know there is a lot of experience behind them (RAHANE & PUJARA) and they have played enough cricket...we also know as a team that they are one innings away from coming to form.
"As a team, everyone is behind them and backing them, they know the value they bring to the team and experience that they have. They will come good, really not having any discussion around them. They have played enough cricket to understand what is expected or required to get going," he added.