Wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel hopeful of turning a corner

Perhaps he is impervious to the trappings of time and maybe there is none better than him to epitomise the hoary statement that age is only a number. His looks might not reveal the full and complete picture, but given his age Parthiv is something of a veteran in the hurly-burly world of Indian cricket. 

Having made his Test debut 16 summers ago as a raw 17-year-old, Parthiv has fallen behind some of his peers in establishing his credentials beyond any dispute both in front of the wickets and behind.

In the city to lead his state team Gujarat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Parthiv doesn’t want to dwell on the ‘missed’ chances, and is determined to make yet another comeback in what has largely been a career interspersed with some highs but several lows. 

“I did well in the tour of South Africa in the limited chances I got. Even in the recently held Duleep Trophy, I thought I kept well on a wicket where there was variable bounce. I did reasonably well with the bat too. Now that we are at the start of a new domestic season, I hope to make it count and force my way back into the Indian team ahead of the West Indies series,” said the 33-year-old.

Comebacks in sport call for perseverance, grit and, above all, an unflinching self-belief in one’s own ability even when everyone else around you is laden with distrust. During the brief chat, it becomes abundantly clear that Parthiv is in possession of all those traits and is raring to prove himself. 

“I’m willing to bat at any position. I have had this flexible mindset about my batting position in whichever team I have played for. I feel confident about the level of intensity I’m playing at and mentally I’m at a good space right now,” added Parthiv.

Although he says he likes to live in the present and take it one day at a time, Parthiv feels the bouncy tracks down under, where India is scheduled to tour in November, have always suited his style of batting. 

“I have done well in Australia before when I toured with the Indian team in 2003-04, and even during India ‘A’ series I have a good track-record. If I do get a chance to go there again, I will prove my mettle,” mentioned Parthiv.