No reason to believe that I can’t make a comeback, says Parthiv Patel
Gujarat skipper Parthiv Patel is convinced that he could yet make a comeback into the Indian squad even though Wriddhiman Saha and Rishabh Pant are the two main picks. For the time being, the wicket-keeper batsman is leading his state domestic side in the 18th season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Even though he was in the squad in the tours to South Africa and Australia, with Saha and Pant back in the mix, Parthiv did not make it into the squad for the visiting Proteas. As he enters his 18th year of first-class cricket, Parthiv firmly believes that he can make a comeback into the national side much like he did three years ago against England.Â
“No one is out of Indian cricket at any point in time. History says there have been a lot of comebacks. There is no reason not to believe I am not in the scheme of things. I am just 34,” Parthiv told Sportstar.
“But these are external pressures I don't want to take. I just want to go out and enjoy my game. If I keep scoring runs and the selectors and team management believe I can make a comeback, I know I am fit enough to be there,” Parthiv said.
For Parthiv — who first broke into the national team in 2002 — and others like him — the likes of Saha and Dinesh Karthik — their careers coincided with the arrival of MS Dhoni. Although the times were frustrating and difficult to take, Parthiv revealed that he always remained positive.
“That’s how it is. When you are trying to represent India, you are fighting with 27 keepers and it is never easy. Obviously what MS has done for India is phenomenal and his achievements are there for everyone to see. As someone who is trying to take the place of the captain, it is always difficult. So you just don't worry about these things. You just have to go hit those runs and take the catches and I stayed positive during those times and that’s why I was able to make a comeback,” Parthiv said.
On Saturday, the 34-year-old did just that, scoring 90 and leading his state team to a win against Madhya Pradesh, their second successive win in the Vijay Hazare tournament.Â
“I am at the stage of my career where I have played for 18-19 years so I am just going to go out and have fun. I also want to help youngsters as much as I can do and try to put in a big performance every time I go out,” Parthiv added.