Priyank Panchal’s voyage through stretching limits and breaking boundaries

12/01/2019

Parthiv Patel might have failed to achieve what he was once touted to be almost two decades ago but his influence on a bunch of cricketers from Gujarat is unparalleled. From being the only go-to person to be the man everyone wants to listen to, Patel had an aura of his own in Gujarat dressing room.

It was on show in the 2014-15 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy when Gujarat went on to claim the title for the first time - their first domestic title in any formats - with Parthiv at the helm of the affairs. He put it down to planning and the common ambition of not dwelling in mediocrity but he was not happy yet. A lot had to be achieved and Gujarat were on a mission of accomplishing them one by one, step by step.

Central to Parthiv’s plans was Priyank Panchal - a name that is on every conversation now when Indian cricket’s embarrassment of riches is being discussed or any opener picks up an injury. Panchal was all ears to Parthiv’s instructions and was ready to foot the step in the right direction to achieve what Parthiv had called “a question of belief.”

In the 2014-15 season, Panchal could manage a total of 537 runs from eight matches and that was followed by 665 runs from 8 matches at 55.41. It was a teaser of things to come as Panchal had a breakthrough season in 2016-17 by amassing a record-breaking 1310 runs from 10 matches at 87.33 - just 105 runs shy of VVS Laxman’s record of most runs in a season and helped Gujarat to their first Ranji Trophy title. The season also saw his maiden 300 - an unbeaten 314 against Punjab - a point from which he has never looked back.

“In 2015, I scored 665 runs in 8 games and I wasn’t selected for the Duleep Trophy. I would be honest with you, I was very nervous,” Panchal told SportsCafe in an exclusive interview. “Then I decided that 130 or 140 is not enough. I have to score 150 or 200 or 300 to recognize myself. So I just gave thought and converted that into action. In the very next season, I scored 1300 runs and I scored 200 and 300.”

That resulted in India-A tours but with the presence of the likes of Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, and KL Rahul, the transition was not smooth. He started being bracketed under the “next big thing in Indian cricket” but a cap eluded him.

“I think If you want to represent your country and if you feel that even after scoring 200 or 300 is not enough, then either you just sit and think that it won’t be possible again or the other option is to think that I will score more runs than what I have scored before. So I chose the second option and with the same consistency in all formats. I would like to be recognized for all formats and that is my thought process."

“I do feel bad but then there should be some places up for grabs in the team too and that I think about logically. But yes, it does hurt that there is no place in the team for me. But I am sure that if I perform consistently then one day surely the place will be there and it is up to me to perform consistently,” Panchal added.

It has become an ingrained habit for Panchal to score big as he put up double centuries for fun against some of the most formidable A-teams around the world. A 206 against England Lions and another 160 against Sri Lanka 'A’ earlier this year was the foundation for Panchal to move ahead in the pecking order and that was compounded by Panchal’s habit of leaving balls outside off-stump and the ability to play crisp cover drives.

However, it took him an immense amount of concentration and effort to master the tricks, after his habit of inside edge became a factor to look into. Go to any Gujarat’s domestic matches, you would see Panchal spending hours of time in the nets in doing the same thing over and over again until the bad habit is replaced by the good ones.

“If I find out something like I need to improve a certain shot, then I give a thought on it. You think that if this shot will help you everywhere then you start to think more on that shot and for me, it is always important to put in the work. Whenever I practise, I always try to do a lot of repetition which helps me convert that thought into action. So for me, it is all about doing work on that particular shot and in that way any shot can be improved,” the opener added, delving deep into the process.

While the hurt is somewhere lurking for not being awarded that 'damned cap' sooner than later, Panchal is wise enough to understand that a chance might come out of nowhere for he has been one of Indian cricket’s most consistent performers. It eased up a little that A tours have become a constant in Indian cricket roaster - allowing players to face world-class bowlers even before they don the Indian cap. For Panchal, who in a parallel universe should have been piling runs for India now, is happy that he is in the reckoning through continued success in A tours.

“On A tours, you almost face international sides so you will have to develop the qualities that you are seeing in international cricket. It definitely helps. That is where I believe where I always want to grow and if I go with India A then I will have to perform in all conditions and that is what I strive to do. India A tours are of huge importance to get yourself prepared for the international level and develop self-confidence.”

The penchant for scoring big has also resulted in Panchal being respected as a successful domestic player in India and was selected to lead Duleep Trophy teams as well. He is always up for a fight - as one could see from his fighting 49 against Windies A in Antigua a few months ago - and that somehow robbed on to his leadership qualities as well. That, he feels, is raising his hand in tough situations which also ingrained to the juniors as well.

“I always think, if there is a tough situation, how to win from that. Whenever we play any team, I want all to think in the same way and whenever the chips are down, you raise your hand and do things that no one has imagined. I always wanted to do the same thing that I always want to tell others. Doing basics and using common sense is also important whenever I am the captain of any team and understanding the mindset of fellow players is also very important. I always combine those things and try to treat everyone differently because everyone is different, It is better to understand them when you talk to them the way you want.”

It was again down to the clarity of thought that Panchal possesses to contribute whatever he could towards his own dream. It was a parameter on which he has been building his portfolio for the bigger and grander things. That he is in the scheme of things no doubt - as he should be - but the level of competition for the opening slot hasn’t been able to dislodge him from his eventual aim. If anything, he is focussing on compete hard with himself to set a new benchmark year after year.

“Competition makes you stronger and you have to perform everywhere. When you keep on scoring runs, then you are just lapping ahead and ahead. For me, it is not about thinking about what others are doing. Obviously, there is competition and I have to perform better and score more runs than others but at the same time, I have to perform better than myself. "

“There is competition with me as well as with others and it is a healthy competition that makes you better and better. You keep on improving technically and psychologically also you become stronger. So overall in the end if you are a part of the competition you are only going to grow so there is nothing to lose as far as I am concerned and there is everything to gain.”

With the Ranji Trophy starting on December 9, one wouldn’t have to wait too long to have a sneak-peak of what lies ahead for Panchal. He has already set his ambitions cast on stone and hopefully, this will be the season he breaks free and achieve his ultimate aim.

Priyank Panchal’s voyage through stretching limits and breaking boundaries

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