Wriddhiman Saha faces neck stiffness issue ahead of third day, KS Bharat replaces him

The oldest player on the Indian squad Wriddhiman Saha did not take the field against New Zealand in the morning session of the third day. The veteran keeper, who also became the oldest wicketkeeper to play the most extended format of the game only two days ago, was not seen on the field on the morning of the moving day of the match.

The 37-year-old was brought into the team in place of Rishabh Pant, who is rested for the series. Saha has had a history of injuries, and over the past few years, he has been in and out of the side due to the same. Also, his batting form took a dip in recent years. This was also clearly visible in his mode of dismissal in the first inning, where he could only manage to score one run.

The BCCI’s official Twitter handle posted later that Saha had some neck stiffness and was undergoing treatment. In his absence, the reserve keeper in the Squad KS Bharat got the opportunity to make his first appearance for the senior team. Bharat looked to be in all sorts of trouble at the start of the session. He took his sweet time to adjust to the situation and condition and later picked up a crucial low catch to dismiss the lethal-looking Will Young for 89.