Parthiv Patel is better than ever before but Saha is No. 1 keeper: MSK Prasad

When India thumped England in the Mohali Test, the chief selector MSK Prasad was busy watching the Ranji game. He, however, closely monitored the Mohali game too. Prasad was at Nagpur watching the Ranji Trophy encounter between Delhi and Vidarbha. Well, it is pretty sure that he had his eyes set on Shikhar Dhawan and Gautam Gambhir in the match.

MSK Prasad spoke at length about the various outcomes from the Mohali Test win. The most notable mention was about the Parthiv Patel. Drafted in as a replacement for Wriddhiman Saha in the team, Parthiv Patel made a dream comeback for India after 8 years. He looked solid with his batting in the first innings before getting out on 42.

He went a mile ahead in the second and hit an unbeaten 67 in quick time to help India win by 8 wickets. He was clearly one of the biggest positives for the team in the Test. His wicket keeping was decent too. A brilliant stumping saw Ben Stokes dismissed in the first innings. A couple of good low catches summed up the perfect game he had.

MSK Prasad had a word of praise for Parthiv Patel. But he stated that Wriddhiman Saha still remains to be the first priority of the selectors. “Parthiv’s statistics speak volumes about the way he has performed for Gujarat in the last few years. He has been very good with the bat, and more importantly, Parthiv’s glove work is much better than before. But Saha remains our No. 1 keeper,” Prasad quoted.

Yet another keeper who was under the radar was Rishabh Pant. The young Delhi opener has been plundering runs this domestic season. Prasad mentioned that the selectors are keeping a close eye on him. “Rishabh is an exciting youngster who plays attacking cricket. He is having a great maiden season, but I believe everyone should come through the system. Rishabh is someone who is definitely under the radar,” he said.

He further heaped praise on Ravichandran Ashwin. The chief selector believes that Ashwin is no longer just a bowler but a complete batsman. “Ashwin is no longer a bowler, but a dependable batsman. His timing is so perfect that people mistake him for VVS Laxman. Ashwin’s batting makes other players feel more relaxed in the dressing room. Ashwin always shares his knowledge. He has watched Jayant from close quarters and told me to back him. The hallmark of this Indian team is that they are ready to help each other and revel in each other’s success,” remarked MSK Prasad.

If there has been a batsman from Indian line-up who has failed to score runs, it has been Ajinkya Rahane. Prasad is not bothered about his form though. Talking about Rahane, he said, “Did you watch the stunner that Ajinkya Rahane took at slip? His contribution on the field has just been outstanding, and I am not worried about his batting form.”