Not easy to fill void created due to Dhoni retirement: Saha

“After Dhoni bhai’s retirement, filling his place as the wicketkeeper is not an easy task because he has had won many matches for us. He was a dominant character in world cricket,” Saha told reporters after Indian team’s training session at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Saha said that in his own style, he is trying to do what Dhoni did best — contribute in team’s cause.

“I am trying to do what Dhoni bhai did for us - that is to win matches with contributions coming from his bat as well as by taking catching and effecting stumpings in crucial situations,” he said.

The 31-year-old said that whenever he gets an opportunity, he speaks to Dhoni to seek his advice.

“We always talk to each other on every possible opportunity I and Dhoni get. We talk to each other as we did in IPL and India’s Australia tour. He gave me vital tips on how to keep on bouncy tracks and handle pressure while batting. Not only Dhoni, I also talk to other players as well,” he added.

Replying to a query, Saha said he would try to do better with the bat in West Indies tour as his performance wasn’t good in the last series.

“The team has done well in the last one year. We have done well in Australia and Sri Lanka, but my individual progress could have been better and would grab the opportunity to come up trumps in West Indies,” he stated.

Asked how he plans to cement his place in the team in the absence of Dhoni, Saha said he would try to get some big scores - a good 70-odd consistently to cement his place in the team.

“I will try to make a good 70-odd runs to help the team gain advantage over the opposition. If I am successful it will be good for me and the side,” further added. Replying to another question, Saha said he enjoys batting with lower order batsmen because it helps the side to get some vital runs to put up good total on the scoreboard.