Very thankful for Parthiv Patel’s support and inputs: Priyank Panchal

He maybe not recognised by many fans around the country but Priyank Panchal is marching towards a possible national call-up. Hailing from Gujarat, Panchal has been very consistent in the long form of the game in the past two seasons. He became the first batsman from the state to record a triple century in Ranji Trophy when he made 314* against Punjab in November last year.

Consistent runs awarded by selectors

The 27-year old was rewarded for his outstanding season with a place in the India ‘A’ team, which took on the visiting Bangladesh and Australia teams earlier this year. The opener’s stellar season, where he scored 1310 runs in 17 innings at 87.33 including 5 hundreds, was bound to be recognised by the national selectors. He is now geared up to depart for South Africa as he has been named to play in the two 4-day games in Benoni and Potchefstroom. Priyank was delighted with the opportunity but doesn’t want to rest on his laurels.

“I know I had an impressive Ranji Trophy season. And my performance did help me get a look-in into the ‘A’ team,” Priyank told Mirror when asked about the season gone by. “But I think that is past now. I cannot dwell on that performance. It is a new season for me and a new beginning,” he added.

While there will be a stark contrast in the wickets of South Africa, Panchal has experience of playing in similar conditions in Kenya as he toured the African nation in 2010 as part of the state association team. “I understand the wickets and the conditions will be different. As an opener, the key will be to read the conditions well,” Priyank said.

Panchal acknowledges contribution of state teammates

The right-hander praised his state captain Parthiv Patel, who has been instrumental in his development over the years. He also recognised the significant exchange of information between him and the Gujarat duo of Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah, both of whom have played a handful of games for India.

“I am very thankful for Parthiv bhai for his constant support and inputs. I know he has the experience of those conditions and he is helping me with nuances to deal with the situation there,” Priyank said.

“I also talk to Jasprit and Axar on regular basis and they too are very helpful and share their international experience with us,” he added.

From an 18-year old, who could manage to score just 4 on his Ranji debut, Priyank has come a long way in his evolvement as an opening batsman. He is an orthodox batsman, technically equipped to handle quality bowling. In 55 first-class games, the Ahmadabad born batsman has 3670 runs at 43.69 along with 11 centuries. If he continues to score runs for another season, a Test call-up isn’t too far off.