Twitter Reactions: Parthiv Patel returns to the squad for Centurion Test

Parthiv Patel has been an indefatigable ranger for Gujarat in the domestic circuit. In January 2017, he led his side to their maiden Ranji Trophy title. He scored an awe-inspiring ton in the second innings of the final against Mumbai to set the platform for a stupendous victory. The wicketkeeper-batsman has also represented Team India at the highest level.

He made his debut way back in 2002, however, couldn’t stay put in his position. Subsequently, he lost his place to the flair and flamboyance of the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. However, he was recalled to the Indian team during England’s tour of India in 2016. To his dismay, Parthiv had to wait another year to be considered in the Indian Test squad for their away series against South Africa.

However, he couldn’t claim a spot in the opening Test at Newlands in Cape Town. India slumped to a 72-run defeat and changes in the playing XI were speculated ahead of the second Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Wriddhiman Saha struggled to find his rhythm with the willow and succumbed to a couple of low scores.

He perished to Dale Steyn in the first innings followed by Kagiso Rabada in the second innings. The Bengal cricketer never came to terms with the playing conditions and the venomous South African pace attack. While there were calls for Parthiv’s inclusion on merit, the regular keeper has a niggle in his hamstring and thus was kept out of the team. That demanded a forced change and the team management decided to draft in Patel for the second Test.

They also decided to replace Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shikhar Dhawan with Ishant Sharma and Lokesh Rahul. Meanwhile, India will be looking to shrug off the disappointment of their horrendous performance and string together a decent show in Centurion. South Africa, on the other hand, will be looking to seal the series by taking a 2-0 lead.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Parthiv’s selection:

Parthiv Patel is the senior most player in Indian Team today. What a time to be alive!

— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) January 13, 2018

Parthiv Patel's last Test outside Asia was at the SCG in Jan 2004:
+ He was 18y 299d old then
+ Sachin Tendulkar scored 241*
+ It was the last of Steve Waugh's 168 Tests
+ None of the Indian players from the current squad hadn't made their debut then#SAvIND

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) January 13, 2018

According to King, Ishant has been selected for some extra bounce and Parthiv Patel for defending all the bouncers. #INDvSA

— Burning Dezire. (@iam_zaid) January 13, 2018

"19yo Parthiv Patel helps India to draw the match at Nottingham" Man, time flies ⚡️ https://t.co/oZ79PGMZkX

— Frank (@FranklinnMJ) January 13, 2018

So they dropped two best performers of the last test match "Bhuvi" and "Saha" but still cannot give an opportunity to "Rahane",India's best test batsman.Amazing selectors! #INDvsSA #2ndtest #Centurion #SuperSportsPark
"Parthiv Patel" "Ishant Sharma" "Centurion" pic.twitter.com/iNWTmy45qs

— Hemu (@HemuVikramadity) January 13, 2018

Parthiv Patel facing Morne Morkel this match #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/iTd5AVh6hQ

— Naveen Samy (@ImNsamy) January 13, 2018

Parthiv Patel in the playing XI.

All credit to Hardik Patel's leadership.

— Sumit (@_RKSumit) January 13, 2018

Parthiv patel replaced Saha ??? This is where height matters that too in a bouncy track #bcci #TeamIndia #IndvsSA

— Arjun Srinivasan (@TheSArjun) January 13, 2018

If India win this Test match, Parthiv Patel will finally celebrate his 17th birthday.

— Abhishek (@Sajjanlaunda) January 13, 2018

#SAvsIND Parthiv Patel and Bounce?

— #PADMAN?? (@iAKSHEY) January 13, 2018

Finally Parthiv Patel ready to play 1st match in South Africa after 15yrs. In playing 11 after 2003 world cup #SAvIND senior most player 🙂

— Ketan Gandhe (@KetanGandhe) January 13, 2018

Considering his height or the lack of it, Parthiv Patel will keep wickets at fine third man! #SAvIND #IndVSA

— Mukul Sharma ?? (@mukkulsharma) January 13, 2018

When Parthiv Patel last played a Test outside Asia, at SCG in January 2004, none of the current Indian players in the squad had made their debuts. #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/oLmuvoeBzu

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 13, 2018