The left-handed wicket-Keeper batsman, Parthiv Patel, who last played a Test for India eight years ago grabbed his opportunity with both hands and scored in both the innings at Mohali. Usually when it’s a comeback match for any sportsman, there is a lot of nervousness about your game and you look tentative but it didn't appear in the way Parthiv was hitting the ball.
Opening the batting for India after keeping wickets for the entire innings, Parthiv Patel walked into bat with Murali Vijay. The south paw made 42 runs in the first innings. More than the 42 runs what was important was the manner in which he scored those 42 runs. It was evident how much it meant for Parthiv Patel to be back in the Indian whites.
But that wasn't all. The opener backed it up with a quick unbeaten 67 off 54 balls in the second innings, counter attacking the English bowlers and toying with their fields. The icing on the cake was definitely hitting the winning runs of what had been a great and satisfying Test on comeback for him.
"It was a great moment for me. I have been a part of Test matches before but I had never ever hit the winning runs", Patel said to BCCI.tv.
"As a batsman, it feels great to finish off the game. To get the winning runs after making a comeback is a proud moment for me. Virat was at the other end and he said he was very happy to see me getting runs. Playing for your country is the biggest honour and making a comeback is even harder. He along with other teammates made me comfortable as and it was pleasing to get runs for the team," Patel added.
Parthiv Patel also felt that he kept wickets decently but there is "always scope for improvement". He said that keeping wickets on Mohali wicket was much more difficult than it looked but now he will work on it. Patel also mentioned that the welcome he got into the dressing room helped him to be at ease and play his natural game.
With outstanding performances both with the bat and the glove, behind the stumps, Parthiv Patel has made a very strong case for him and his selection in the upcoming Test at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai from December 8 onwards. Will the selectors go back to Wriddhiman Saha when he is fit or stick with Parthiv Patel will be an interesting stance, but a good problem to have for Indian cricket.
