Parthiv Patel is hopeful for a comeback

Circa 2002: A young cherubic wicketkeeper became the youngest to make his international debut at the age of 17 years and 158 days. He was believed to be the next big hope after Sachin Tendulkar.

But Parthiv Patel was no Tendulkar, although he did do better with the bat than the gloves.

His case evoked much debate. Just what was he? A wicketkeeper who can bat or a batsman who can keep as well?

Despite some valuable innings like the 62 against Australia in Sydney and another 62 in the high-profile series against Pakistan, the record books only indicate four fifties, which have long been forgotten.

So after a decent rope of 19 Tests and 14 ODIs, the youngster was told to wait for his time and let off with the advice that age was on his side.

Cut to 2007: The focus is on young blood but it is fast emerging that there is not much hope to replace the big three stalwarts in the batting order.

Amidst all this, Patel has been confined to the shadows. Perhaps, it has got to do with his small five-feet frame and shy nature.

For after all, on the field his bat has been doing a lot of talking with five centuries on the trot in first class cricket.

Kumar Shyam caught up with him, and not surprisingly, he doesn’t lash out at being ignored despite all the frustration that is building up.

Q. You made an India debut before even playing Ranji for Gujarat. How difficult was the transition?

Parthiv Patel: People say that there is a lot of difference between domestic and international cricket. But I do not think so. I had no problems making the switch.

Q. You were the youngest wicketkeeper to debut. Could you relive the moment for us?

PP: It was a dream and the most precious moment of my life. I can never forget it

Q. Your stepping stones were rather difficult tours to England, Australia and even Pakistan to some extent. Would you
not have preferred a less fiery baptism into international cricket?

PP: I knew playing for India was always going to be difficult. Despite the difficult conditions, I am happy that I did well.

Q. Adam Gilchrist is your role model (Ian Healy is the other). But you are not a attacking batsman like him?

PP: You don’t have to copy or follow your role model. I like Gilchrist for his attacking style of batting. In Australia, he showed me how to prepare mentally and physically for any game.

Q. Does the height handicap bother you?

PP: No I don’t think it as a disadvantage.

Q. Do you think you can make it to the side as a fielder and pure batsman?

PP: Karthik, I believe, also had no experience of fielding in the outfield before. As a wicketkeeper I have the reflexes and diving is natural to me. If Dinesh Karthik can do it, I don’t see why I can’t be in the side as a fielder.

Q. You were part of the 2003 World Cup side but did not get to play (Dravid kept the wickets then). How was the experience?

PP: We did not do well initially but after that we settled down and it was a nice experience to share the dressing room with all the greats, not just from India but big players from all over the world.

Q. You celebrated your birthday in the dressing room. How was the experience?

PP: It was nice. We had a game that day so it wasn’t much but I was welcomed into the side nicely and everyone supported me well.

Q. You had trouble reading Anil Kumble and other spinners. Yet people forget you got some decent stumpings in that series against the West Indies…

PP: I have realized that criticism is part of the game. At the end of the day, if I know I have done a good job, that’s enough for me.

Q. Did it hurt to see former Indian stumpers criticising your skills rather than help you out?

PP: Not really. They are doing their job. And many former wicketkeepers helped me and gave me tips to improve my ‘keeping. Besides I don’t keep track of who is criticising me and who is not.

Q. What have you done to improve your wicket keeping?

PP:I have improved on my skills. While in Australia for the Gavaskar Border scholarship, Rodney Marsh helped me with a lot of my movements. Gilchrist has also been helpful. Importantly, Marsh told me that if you drop catches, just forget it and concentrate on the next ball.

Q. What about the batting? Are you ready to open again, if need be?

PP:I have been working hard; batting in the nets for more than five hours a day. My five successive centuries also came at various positions. So I am very confident and am sure I will have no problems batting at any position.

Q. You forsook studies for your career. Any regrets in hindsight? What’s the current status of your education?

PP:No regrets. In fact, I have been once again ignoring my studies since I am focusing on my comeback. But my family has been very supportive. I am currently pursuing a Bachelors’ degree in Business Administration.

Q. Anyone whom you would like to thank for the support in these trying times?
PP:My family, of course!