Before the start of Day 3 of the Kanpur Test, India dealt a big blow as wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha did not keep wickets and temporarily out due to neck issues. Saha sustained stiffness in his neck and is currently being monitored. In his absence, Srikar Bharat donned the gloves on Day 3.
Saha who was already making history coming into the match, being the second oldest wicket-keeper for India in Test cricket will now face a race against time to be fit for the rest of the contest. No official statement has been made by the team management on the extent of the injury. With new International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines, a substitute wicketkeeper could be used in case of injury or unavailability of a keeper.
Bharat who has been with the Indian team playing understudy to Saha came on to make his debut for the national side. He was first in the squad in November 2019 as a backup but did not get his first cap. He was also in the team for the ODI series against Australia in January 2020 after Rishabh Pant suffered a concussion. The Andhra wicketkeeper also acted as plan B in the wicket-keeper department for the recently-concluded England series.
The keeper was quickly in action as he was fundamental in getting India's breakthrough wicket. The 28-year-old took opener Will Young's catch as he was dismissed on 89 off Ravichandran Ashwin's delivery.
