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On the comeback trail

Parthiv Patel is focussed on coming up with good performances during the forthcoming trip Down Under

PHOTO: R.V. MOORHTY

MAKING HEADWAY Parthiv in conversation in the city

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 was in Hyderabad recently for the India `A' camp ahead of the Australian tour later this month, is focussed on coming up with good performances on the trip `Down Under'.

"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," says Parthiv.

Starting from scratch

"Essentially, it is almost like starting from scratch. Obviously, the intensity 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 explains.

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 points 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.

"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," says the confident stumper.

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.

"I have to be positive and not look back at what has happened in the past," he concludes.

V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM

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