Parthiv Patel is all focused

Wicketkeeper-batsman does not want to rest on his past performances

AHMEDABAD: Though wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel’s recent batting performances have been impressive, the Gujarat captain doesn’t want to rest on his laurels.

The 22-year-old southpaw played a match winning innings for Rest of India in the Irani Trophy against Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai.

In the first innings he scored 179 and followed it an unbeaten 59 in his team’s nine-wicket win.

The century was his fifth on the trot. Parthiv is leading the India Green side in the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy that commenced on Thursday on his home ground — Sardar Patel Stadium, “I don’t want to rest on my past performances but I am looking forward to continuing in the same manner,” Parthiv told DNA.

Parthiv, 22, has played 19 Tests for India. But his last Test was two years ago against Australia at Nagpur.

With two wicketkeeper batsmen - Dinesh Karthik and captain MS Dhoni — in the Indian team, Parthiv’s comeback isn’t easy.

However, Parthiv isn’t worried about what the competition is doing. “I am not worrying about those things (competition) at the moment.

The Challenger Trophy is the best opportunity for any player to prove himself as it is India’s premier one-day tournament. And I am focusing on performing in the tournament.”