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: