Saha to start ahead of Pant in SA Test series: Virat Kohli | Photo Credit: AP, File Image

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Tuesday confirmed that wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha has been given the nod to keep wickets ahead of Rishabh Pant in the three-match Test series against South Africa starting from Wednesday (October 2). Kohli also confirmed that Ravichandran Ashwin will be coming back into the playing XI for the series opener against the Proteas in Visakhapatnam. Pant has been suffering from a dip in form since the ICC World Cup 2019. While the young southpaw looked in decent touch during the quadrennial event, his performances post the showpiece tournament has been dismal, to say the least.

"Wriddhiman Saha will keep for us in this Test series," said Kohli in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday when asked who will be the wicket-keeping choice for India in the three-match series against the Faf du Plessis-led South Africa. Kohli also confirmed that Ravichandran Ashwin will be playing along with Ravindra Jadeja with Hanuma Vihari providing the third spin option. Kohli also said that the team management thought that it was the right time to give Pant some free time to let him ease into the scheme of things while adding the southpaw is the future of Indian cricket.

Pant was given a free run across format in the West Indies tour while also keeping the wicket in the recently concluded three-match T20I series against South Africa, however, the 21-year-old failed to cement his spot after constant failures with the willow. His wicket-keeping skills were also questioned while his DRS-taking skills have been a constant point of debate.

While on the other hand, Saha has been in his elements since coming back from the back injury which kept him on the sidelines for more than a year. The Bengal stumper last played for India in January 2018 against South Africa and would be looking to cement his spot in Test XI with some eye-catching performance with the willow and the gloves. With Indian pitches being spin-friendly, Saha's wicket-keeping skills will come handy.

The 34-year-old has been regarded as one of the best wicket-keepers in the world and the Bengal glovesman has proved his run-scoring pedigree in the domestic circuit as well. Saha recently struck a brisk 60 against South Africa A in the 2nd unofficial Test in Mysore and has impressed in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.

India are scheduled to play the Test series opener against South Africa on Wednesday (October 2) in Visakhapatnam.