MSK Prasad reveals why Parthiv Patel got picked ahead of Rishabh Pant

Mumbai: Parthiv Patel may have performed well after being picked for the India Test side for the first time in eight years, but his selection had surprised everyone initially.

The rise of former Test and current ODI and T20I skipper Mahenndra Singh Dhoni meant that Patel was dropped, and was overlooked for around eight years.

With Dhoni’s retirement from the longer version of the game a couple of years ago, the wicketkeeper’s spot was up for grabs and Wriddhiman Saha got the nod.

However, with Wriddhiman Saha out injured, India found themselves in a position where they had to embark on a fresh hunt for a wicketkeeper for the longer version of the game.

There were two possibilities for chief India selector MSK Prasad after Saha’s injury – Rishabh Pant or Parthiv Patel. The former is largely regarded as one of the most talented keeper-batsmen on the Indian domestic circuit. Pant has showcased his talent in the Ranji Trophy, scoring four centuries and two fifties. The 19-year-old now has a staggering average of 77.76 in First Class cricket.

However, Prasad believes that the teenaged wicketkeeper is not yet ready for the international stage. The chief selector also said that Patel’s selection is a huge message to anybody who does well on the domestic circuit, regardless of their age.

“It’s 100 per cent a strong message to those scoring at domestic level. I have been talking to Parthiv for the past one year or so. Parthiv has raised the bar and has reached new levels,” Prasad was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

Parthiv Patel has also shown great form in this domestic season, scoring 524 runs at an average of 65.5.

“Exactly a year ago, I showed him this is where you stand, and this is where you’ll get your chances. You have to be prepared when it comes your way. He was eagerly waiting for it. He has really earned it. It’s very tough for a wicket-keeper. There’s always only one slot up for grabs,” said Prasad.

“The way he batted, it looked like he was just ‘knocking’ or in practice. It was phenomenal the comfort with which he batted for a guy who’s come back after eight years. It speaks volumes about his mental toughness. For Parthiv, apart from keeping his motivational levels high, things like IPL have really helped.”

Prasad believes that although Pant looks like a great prospect for future, the 19-year-old is not yet ready for the international stage.

“I had a long discussion with Rishabh Pant and I explained the roadmap to him, and I have shown him the picture that lies ahead of him, where he is, where he should be heading, how he can get there,” he said. “It’s the same with any youngster like Priyank Panchal or a Deepak Hooda, the selectors need to draw the roadmap for them,” he added.