Updated: December 10, 2020 8:54:58 AM
Parthiv Patel made his debut under Sourav Ganguly (File Photo / Reuters).
In 2002, Parthiv Patel was a new kid on the block, smart enough to play Test cricket at the age of 17. Less than eleven years later, ‘The keeper-batsman retired from all forms of cricket on Wednesday, ending with him. 25 Tests, 38 ODIs and two T20Is.
He remained relevant as a cricketer for almost two decades, speaking volumes for his love of the game and hard work. Exact M.S. of 2004-05. After the arrival of Dhoni, the landscape of India’s keeper-batsman changed completely. Like Dinesh Karthik, Parthiv had to fight against someone to stay in the Indian position, which was unbeaten. And yet, did not throw the towel to the left. He adopted domestic cricket and was ready to play for India whenever the opportunity arose. That he played his last Test against South Africa in Johannesburg just two years ago, which proved his longevity. Along the way, he played a major role in making Gujarat a major power in local cricket.
Read | Former Indian teammates react to Parthiv Patel’s retirement
There was a time in 2009 when India went to New Zealand. I scored 800 in the Ranji Trophy and scored (a) century in the final of the Duleep Trophy and the call did not come. I thought maybe this was it. But then I thought of something else and that was to form a team, ”Parthiv told reporters during a virtual media talk on Wednesday.
He achieved his goal, with Gujarat winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2015 and the Ranji Trophy next season. His 143 in the final against Mumbai helped Gujarat chase a record run.
But it was an early part of his career, when he was trying to cement his place in the Test team, it was special. It was part of Sourav Ganguly’s India that won against England at Headingley. A year later, he was in the team during India’s memorable Test series in Australia – it ended 1-1. Then, in Rawalpindi in 2004, he scored a half-century in India’s innings victory over Pakistan.
“I will always keep Sourav Ganguly as a true leader with his man management skills. Sourav and Anil Kumble were great leaders and they made a person like me, ‘said Parthiv.
“I still have the test cap of my name given to me by my grandfather, incorrectly printed under the name ‘Partiv’. Headingley (2002) and Adelaide (2003-04) and early half-century wins in Rawalpindi will be my favorite memories. He added.
Terrestrial Test ended with 934 runs and 72 dismissals, and ODIs with 736 runs and 39 dismissals. In first-class cricket, he scored 11,240 runs and 563 outs in 194 matches. “I still believe in Test matches. Your best player should play like a growing Sahani for India,” he said.
As he hung up his shoes he advised the teenagers who wanted to play for India. “Stay away from social media as much as possible.”
. The Indian Express (P) Ltd.
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