DK vs Saha as backup wicket keeper

[rkt.india]

ADHD ??

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

[Magneto]

The differences between Saha and Dhoni/DK are very clear. Saha is a much better overall keeper than DK and a better batsman in the longer format of the game. However, DK is more of a dasher and can play more aesthetically pleasing shots - DK is surely more useful and has probably played better knocks in the T20 format. Saha takes his own time first and can go after the bowling only after he has spent some time on the wicket - and has a very decent record in List-A games. But Dk has played 70 ODI games and Saha has hardly played any, so it's difficult to compare their batting. In the longer format, though DK has had a few good innings a few years back, he has been ordinary in Ranji Trophy off late. Saha has done much better in Ranji and Duleep Trophy for the last few years. The Saha/Dhoni comparison is more tricky. Saha is a better keeper to pace bowlers, but Dhoni is probably a better keeper to spinners. There is just no comparison in the limited overs format between the two anyway. Also in home Tests, Dhoni is obviously much better, since his keeping to spinners is fine and he can hit any opposition out of the game. In overseas Tests however, Saha can come close - as a batsman he is a grafter, and has the ability to form long partnerships and can bail the team out by putting a price on his wicket. In both the Tests he has played, he can played in those situations and done decently. He has also done well in the overseas tours - to WI and SA, where he has scored battling 50s with the lower order when the chips were completely down. He has done the same in Ranji and Duleep many times and this is one ability that can be of use. In overseas Tests, his keeping probably has an edge too - he will only be keeping to one spinner.