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On the comeback trail
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Parthiv Patel is focussed on coming up with good performances on the forthcoming trip Down Under
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We have to accept reality. I don't think it is the end of the road for me as far as selection to Indian team is concerned
PHOTO: R. V. MOORTHY
MAKING HEADWAY Parthiv Patel.
Parthiv Patel is a player with a never say die attitude. For someone who made his Test debut without playing a Ranji Trophy match in 2002 against England 21-year-old Parthiv is now on the comeback trail.
However, he doesn't believe that he has to change his batting style despite the pyrotechnics of Mahendra Singh Dhoni who has given a new dimension to the concept of the team's wicketkeeper-batsman.
Parthiv who stood out with his compact wicketkeeping and defiant batting, is focussed on coming up with good performances on the trip `Down Under' with the India `A' side.
"It presents a great opportunity to prove a point or two. Obviously, it is a very difficult phase but every cricketer has to go through it," said Parthiv.
Starting from scratch
"Essentially, it is almost like starting from the scratch. Obviously the intensity level to bounce back is higher and I am optimistic of doing it in style by making optimum use of the opportunities which I get in the next few months," he explained.
The wicketkeeper-batsman who last played for India in Tests and one-dayers in 2004 believes that to regain a slot in the Indian team, he need not change his style.
"No doubt, Dhoni has set a new standard for Indian wicketkeepers. But I have to keep performing at different levels in the coming days to be in the reckoning. I am working hard on some finer points in the art of wicket keeping with my coach Anshuman Gaekwad. I have to spend more time in the nets now," he pointed out.
Quite surprisingly, Parthiv's current journey is in the reverse gear. Normally, cricketers make a mark in first-class cricket before playing for India but it is the other way round for this talented cricketer. He began playing international cricket even before cutting his teeth in domestic cricket. Now, Parthiv is looking into these games for confidence and maybe a chance to comeback into international cricket.
"It is a different experience. We have to accept reality. I don't think it is the end of the road for me as far as selection to Indian team is concerned," said the confident stumper.
Statistics
For the record Parthiv played in 19 Tests with a batting average of 3.85 and in 14 ODIs with an average of 14.66.
He had the distinction of being the youngest Test wicketkeeper at 17 years and 153 days. Now, Parthiv wants to be inspired by that solitary feat in Test cricket and march onwards. With age on his side and a never-say-die attitude Parthiv is looking ahead.
"I have to be positive and not look back at what has happened in the past," he concluded.
V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
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