Parthiv Patel, wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian squad touring the West Indies, has said that his wicketkeeping skills are much improved, a result of increased confidence and hard work.
“Keeping wickets is a lot about confidence. I am pretty happy about the way I am doing the job at the moment,” says Parthiv.
He adds, “I know there were a lot of people talking about major faults in my keeping like receiving the ball and getting up. But I think it had (his ordinary run with the big gloves) nothing to do with my technique. Whatever happened was, perhaps, because of lack of concentration and maybe had a bit to do with the fitness as well. But I have put in a lot of effort into my keeping.”
Parthiv feels it is his good performance in the domestic circuit which has catapulted him into the Indian team. “I must have done a lot of right things, that’s why I am here. The consistency in the domestic games was very important. That’s what I have managed to achieve over the last three years.”
Parthiv believes his batting has evolved. “I think there has been a huge improvement in my batting. I have come along well in that area in the last three years.”
Parthiv has plenty of respect for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's wicket-keeping abilities. “When you captain a side and keep wickets you need to be relaxed, and that’s Dhoni’s biggest plus point. If you look at the skill side, he’s right up there and his relaxed mind-set boosts his concentration powers as well.”
The affable Parthiv is optimistic about the days ahead. “There’s a lot of pressure when you play for India. But I guess this tour is a great opportunity for us to show that we are good enough to play for the country.”
