Former Pakistan batsman Salman Butt has lauded senior India wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha for backing Rishabh Pant as the first-choice wicket-keeper batsman in Tests. In a recent interview, Saha had heaped praise on Pant for his recent performances and said he would wait for his chances as the left-hander has been in terrific form in the whites.

Pant has not put a foot wrong so far ever since replacing Saha on India’s tour of Australia last year. The explosive southpaw has been enjoying a purple patch with the willow and is expected to keep his spot in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand in Southampton.

Saha’s recent statement on Pant has earned him applause from the cricketer fraternity including Salman Butt, who has lauded him for his sportsmanship. Butt said Saha’s statement reflects that of a true professional and shows his nobility.

“Such things come out when you are true professionals. This is not an easy thing. Hats off to Wriddhiman Saha. I know him, we played together for the Knight Riders in the inaugural IPL. He is a very down-to-earth guy and he has said a fantastic thing. It shows his nobility, that he has spoken like that,” said Butt in a video on his YouTube channel.

“Rishabh Pant played the last few matches of the World Test Championship, he’s done well and he should be our first-choice keeper in England. I would just wait, and if any opportunity arises, I will give my best. I will keep practising for that one chance,” Saha had recently said when asked who should be India’s first-choice keeper in the all-important final.

Butt said Saha’s comments are reflective of the environment in the Team India setup where the players don’t feel insecure about their spot in the side and keep the team above them. Impressed by India’s selection policy and the system, the former Pakistan batsman said players keep the team’s interest above them when they feel secure.

“I see this as a very very positive sign for Indian cricket. This means whatever systems and policies they have, they have been successful to a large extent that their players don’t feel insecure. When you don’t feel insecure and you don’t have hesitation in saying what is better for the team, that means your system, policies and grooming have won because you realize that you are also there but at the moment the other person is better and should play,” he added.