Out since May 2018, Wriddhiman Saha set to return from injury

Bengal wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha, who replaced MS Dhoni as India's first-choice Test stumper in 2014, is all set to make a comeback to competitive cricket after recovering from injury.

Time and again, Indian captain Virat Kohli has reiterated that Saha is the best Test wicketkeeper in the country, but the last year has been a testing one for Saha, who hasn't played any cricket since the 2018 IPL.

Having recovered from the multiple injuries he sustained, Saha is expected to return to action in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy later this month.

"I'm very close to being 100% fit. I will play the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I am returning to Kolkata and will join the Bengal conditioning camp," Saha was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

In Saha's absence, 21-year-old Rishabh Pant has swooped in and claimed his spot in the Test whites, averaging almost 50 after 15 innings. He already has two centuries in 9 Tests, compared to Saha's three tons in 32 games.

However, Pant's wicket-keeping is still deemed raw, despite him equalling the world record for most catches in a Test in December last year. Saha, on the other hand, is recognised as one of the most accomplished keepers in the country for his agility and safe glovework.

While Pant also appears sporadically in the limited-overs setup, Saha is a Test specialist, having last played an ODI in 2014.

Saha injured his shoulder during the South Africa tour in early 2018 and later sustained a finger injury in the second half of the IPL in May. He underwent surgery in August, and since then, has been practising at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore as part of his recovery.

Saha, who will turn 35 this year, will be aiming to get back into Test reckoning before the ICC World Test Championship begins from July.