Have to be on my toes for team India: Parthiv Patel

Gujarat skipper Parthiv Patel is having a good time leading the side in the domestic circuit. The team suffered a heavy beating at the hands of Mumbai in their first match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year. However, they kept the beating aside and delivered a complete performance in their next fixture against Goa.

Things have been great for Patel in the recent times. Back in late 2016, he had made his national comeback during the England Test series. Parthiv Patel was drafted in as the replacement for Wriddhiman Saha in the squad after the latter had to bow out due to an injury.

He had announced his comeback in style with a quick 67 in the second innings of his comeback match. Soon after the series, he was back to leadership duties with the Gujarat team in the Ranji Trophy 2016-17. Patel successfully led his side to their first ever title win with a gritty ton in the final against 41-time champions Mumbai. He had a rare failure as captain when Gujarat were beaten by Rest of India in the Irani Trophy.

Interestingly, he was yet again against Wriddhiman Saha in the encounter. Albeit the fans might believe that they have stern competition among them, Parthiv reckons it is good camaraderie that they share. Time and again, they have had words of admiration for each other. As per the quotes in The Hindu, Parthiv yet again showered praised on Saha. He further added that he does not worry about the selections. But he knows that he might have to do the service in case Saha has an injury.

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“Saha has been doing a good job, but I am always there if the team needs me. I had a good series against England and I know I have to be on my toes,” said Patel.

He further cited that keeping against Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja is a tough task to do. While Ashwin has a plethora of variations in his kitty, Jadeja can make the ball run. Lastly, he reckoned that he is at the peak of his game at the moment and is working hard on all aspects of his game.

“Keeping against (R.) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja on turning wickets is challenging. Ashwin has so many variations, and Jadeja has pace. I have worked hard both as a wicketkeeper and a batsman. I am at the peak of my game. I don’t worry about selection. Opening comes naturally to me and that is an advantage,” conceded the wicket-keeper.