Gujarat skipper Parthiv Patel, who stepped in for an injured Wriddhiman Saha against England, is hungry for more. Saha may have regained his spot but Parthiv says he is hopeful of getting more chances to wear India flannels in future.
He cherishes winning the Ranji Trophy and is confident that more silverware will follow in the coming seasons. “The England Test recall has given me a new lease of life. I thoroughly enjoyed playing again for the country after eight years. It felt really good and I was happy to contribute towards the team’s win,” Parthiv said after practice at Chepauk on Friday.
The genial cricketer reveals that when he was recalled, he felt nervous. “I was nervous before the Test. The kind of atmosphere I got in the dressing room made my job easier. Virat Kohli was fantastic. He ensured that I was welcomed,” recollected Parthiv.
With MS Dhoni at the fag end of his career, the wicketkeeping slot is up for grabs. “I had a good series against England. As a professional cricketer, you have to ensure that you are always ready when the opportunity comes,” Parthiv added.
Batting gives him the edge over other wicketkeepers. During the England series, even Sunil Gavaskar complimented that Parthiv could play as a batsman. “I’ve been working hard on both my keeping and batting skills. More than skills, it is the mindset that is important. When I go out to bat, I think like I’m the main batsman and tell myself that I have to contribute as a batsman and not only as a wicketkeeper. This change in mindset has helped me,” revealed the former CSK player.
Who does he find difficult to keep wickets to among Indian spinners. “Subcontinent pitches are not that easy to keep on, especially when the ball starts turning from ball one. Ashwin has variety, Jadeja has pace. Both are equally good and I’m comfortable against both,” opined the 31-year old.
A few former cricketers believe that Parthiv needs to improve his keeping skills a bit more to match up to Saha’s level. “I don’t think so. I did a good job against England. I constantly keep working on my basics,” Parthiv said, insisting that he is not worried about competition.
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, the second wicketkeeper slot comes into play, does he target that? “I believe in performing whenever I get an opportunity. I never target a particular tour or event. I’m experienced enough not to worry about selection,” explained Parthiv.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com