Had burning desire to play for India once again: Parthiv Patel

Mohali: Not many would have expected a change in India’s starting line up for Mohali Test, considering, the manner in which they thumped England by 246 runs in Vizag Test.

But Team India is forced to do exactly the same. A side strain in the left thigh of Wriddhiman Saha has ruled out the wicketkeeper of the third Test. Selectors have picked Parthiv Patel to replace the Bengal cricketer.

Parthiv is making a return to Test cricket after eight long years. The last time Parthiv played for India in Tests, the current coach, Anil Kumble was the captain of the side.

It has been a long and stirring journey for the wicketkeeper-batsman.

“I will be lying if I said that I wasn’t nervous. I was nervous and emotional when I got to know that I was called back to the Test side,” Parthiv was quoted as saying by BCCI.TV.

“I had a sleepless night. When you are going to represent your country after such a long time, after putting so much of hard work you do get a bit emotional. There have been a lot of sacrifices along the way from family and friends as well. I have already played a Test match in my mind five to six times now. Hopefully, I will be able to relax now since I have joined the team.”

He may have been out of the team for eight years, but Parthiv was never down. He continued working hard with the desire to represent India.

“I had that self-belief that I can contribute at the international level. There was motivation and a burning desire to play for India at least once more. That feeling motivated me to work harder because there is always a pride and honour of representing India, which I was looking for again. I love this sport, I love going to the ground early and going through my routines. Selection pressure was never there, but motivation was always present.

“I knew that there were about 12 to 13 Test matches to be played at home and I sensed a feeling that I could be in the mix which meant I had to be ready at any given point of time. It is unfortunate that Wriddhiman Saha got injured and I had to get an opportunity at his cost, but that is how it is. I am happy to be back and representing India again.”

Kumble and batting coach Sanjay Bangar were Parthiv’s teammate the last time he played Test for India. The duo has helped him to settle down.

“It is great to be here and I am happy to have Anil (Kumble) bhai around. I used to have lot of dinners with him when we used to play together. Also, having Sanjay Bangar is great and we three would have our own dinner plans while we were playing for India. They were players then and now they both are coaches but it is good to be around familiar faces.