He is the shortest of all in the Sunrisers line-up. But, when it comes to grit and determination not many can match Parthiv Patel, who saved a Test match for India at the age of 17 years in England a few years ago. And, ironically for someone who made his Test debut four years before Mahendra Singh Dhoni did, he continues to be the understudy despite some terrific performances in domestic cricket over the years.
“My job is to keep performing in every match I get to play. And the 2013 IPL too will be no different. I will try to live up to the expectations of my franchisee,” says Parthiv who became the youngest-ever stumper in Test history at 17 years in 2002.
Positive outcome
Parthiv believes that helping Gujarat win the All-India Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T-20) is a huge positive coming into this tournament. “Gujarat never won a BCCI tournament. And, what pleased me was the I way b0atted,” he says.
With Shikhar Dhawan injured, this India discard might well just get a chance to open the innings with his captain Kumar Sangakarra. “If you look at my career, I batted in almost every position. I am ready for any challenge,” says the 28-year-old.
More importantly, Parthiv is geared up to keep wickets to the feared South African speedster Dale Steyn.
“Arguably, he is the best bowler I had kept wickets for. It is a different experience behind the stumps, he says.
Taking pride from the fact that stumpers have a more dominant role now as batsmen too, Parthiv believes that any wicketkeeper has to bat like a top order batsman now.
“They play a significant role in the team’s game plan and it is good to have competition,” he points out.
