10 Interesting facts about Jeetan Patel

Jeetan Patel is an orthodox off-spinner who played for had a short yet successful international career for New Zealand. Specifically described as a ‘restrictive’ bowler, was known for his economical spells of bowling in limited overs cricket. He began as a promising young spinner and paved his way into the national team after featuring and performing well in the age group levels and the ‘A’ team. He was a highly rated spinner and was seen as a possible successor to the legendary left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori. However, he could not enjoy a long international career as anticipated and soon settled in the English domestic circuit where he still continues to enjoy a respectable amount of success.

1.Born:

Jeetan Shashi Patel was born on May 7, 1980, Wellington to Indian parents.

2. Early cricketing year:

He played age-group cricket in Wellington at U-15, U-17, and U-19 levels. He played for the New Zealand Cricket Academy in a one-day match against England A in 1999 and debuted for Wellington early the next year with a five-wicket bag in a loss to Auckland.

3. Highly promising:

Patel became the first player in twenty years to take 50 league wickets during his spell at the Bourton Road club and the first player ever to go on to play international cricket.

4. International debut:

In 2005, Patel was selected for the New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe. He made his debut as a Supersub for New Zealand in the 4th ODI. He replaced Craig McMillan for Zimbabwe’s innings and took 1/47. Under the old experimental rules meant Patel was a full member of the team despite not batting in the XI.

5. Long Term Test promise:

Patel made his Test debut came against South Africa in the 2nd Test during New Zealand’s 2006 tour of South Africa. New Zealand’s coach John Bracewell described him as a “long-term investment.”

6. Peak of career & downfall:

Patel reached the peak of his career in 2007 when he became a regular member of the Black Caps ODI and T20 team. However, by the end 2008, his career began to go on a downward spiral and soon lost his place in the team and could never cement his place in the team.

7. A century on county debut:

Jeetan Patel made his county debut for Warwickshire in 2009 and had a memorable debut, scoring  a century (120) against Yorkshire. He batted along with England national Jonatha Trott and weaved a 200 run 9th wicket partnership.

8. His Golden Year:

In 2014, Patel was named the most valuable player by winning the MVP award England’s Professional Cricketers’ Association, and in 2015 Wisden named him one of its five cricketers of the year.

9. Shift interest towards county cricket:

Patel was a consistent performer for his county side as well as domestic side Wellington. Over the years, his batting also improved. However, in Patel had made up his mind about his future and prioritised county cricket over the country. In 2014, he declined a recall from New Zealand cricket for the tour of West Indies, which ended any possibility of further international cricket for him.

10. Continues to shine in for Warwickshire:

In September 2015, Patel topped 50 wickets in the County Championship season for the fourth successive year, finishing 7th on the competition’s list of wicket-takers with 58 wickets at an average of 25.27. He was named as the Professional Cricketers’ Association Team of the Year.