For a second ’keeper, it’s a tough life at the moment, says Parthiv Patel

August 25, 2014 11:43 pm | Updated 11:43 pm IST - CHENNAI:

Parthiv Patel.

Parthiv Patel.

A mere mention of his little daughter is enough to get Parthiv Patel to smile. In the city for the Buchi Babu all-India tournament where he is leading Gujarat, the 29-year-old spoke to The Hindu on making his international debut early, his equation with M.S. Dhoni, and learning from the best wicket-keepers.

Having made your international debut early, how frustrating is it to be in and out of the team?

When you are out of the team, the motivation to get back drives you. It’s a bit frustrating but my job is to keep performing.

In hindsight, was making the cut at a very young age a disadvantage?

I don’t think so, because I probably did well in my first three or four series, and then had one or two bad Test matches. If I hadn’t been ready, I would have been exposed in the first game or the first series. On the contrary, I got an opportunity early. I am still 28 [29].

Every time you make a comeback, why haven’t you been able to hold down a spot?

Obviously, that has a lot to do with MS [Dhoni]. Whenever he keeps, there isn’t place for any other ‘keeper. And, rightly so, because what he has done is remarkable. For a second ‘keeper, it’s a tough life at the moment. But, I stay motivated and keep working hard.

How is your equation with Dhoni? Do you share pointers on ‘keeping or is there competition?

(Chuckles) I don’t think there’s any competition. He is arguably one of the world’s best captains. We do share a few things when we meet. He doesn’t talk much. Whenever I have played under him, he has allowed me to express myself and not worry about anything else.

India’s other ‘keeping contenders such as Wriddhiman Saha or Dinesh Karthik… do you sweat over what they are doing?

It’s an extra load that I don’t take. For me, it’s important to match up to my expectations. There’s a lot of competition for the second ‘keeper slot. You can’t hide from that fact. The bar is set very high and you have to reach higher.

What are the technical changes you have made in your ‘keeping?

I have changed my training methods. I have cut my day into two sessions where one is devoted to batting and the other to ‘keeping so that I am not tired in either session. When ‘keeping, I do drills involving standing up, moving sideways, and taking edges. I have done some Yoga, but I mainly make sure in practice sessions that I don’t take things lightly.

Although you made your international debut while playing for Gujarat, does playing for a smaller team put you at a disadvantage when it comes to National selection?

Gujarat’s performance in the last few years has been quite good. When you perform for a smaller team and help it win, it actually puts you under the limelight.

Which wicketkeeping great’s advice has helped you the most?

I have spoken to almost everyone right from [Syed] Kirmani sir to Ian Healy to [Adam] Gilchrist to [Kumar] Sangakkara, Kiran More, and Nayan Mongia. Wicket-keeping is all about three things: keeping soft hands, watching the ball, and moving at the right time. I have been following the drills that Healy and More showed me about taking fine edges. Sanga has taught me a few drills, too.

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