Wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel elated to hear his selection news

The Indian Test squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa in January next year has recently been announced. The selectors sprang a few surprises by including few players in the squad. Jasprit Bumrah got his maiden Test call after he impressed for India in the coloured clothing. Parthiv Patel was also drafted into the squad as a backup wicket-keeper of Wriddhiman Saha.

He is currently representing Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy where he has guided his team to the quarter-finals of the prestigious Indian domestic tournament. He has also racked up an awe-inspiring knock of 173 against Rajasthan in Surat which came at more than a run-a-ball. Parthiv Patel’s side is currently in Jaipur to play Bengal in the quarter-final.

After his national selection, Parthiv Patel took to Twitter to express his elation and thanked god for his progress. He wrote “Came to know about selection only when I landed in Jaipur for the Ranji Trophy quarter-final..thank you very much for the wishes. #god’sgrace”

Came to know about selection only when I landed in Jaipur for the Ranji trophy quarter final..thank you very much for the wishes.#god’sgrace

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) December 4, 2017

An impressive performer in the past one year

Parthiv Patel has had an exceptional year, both with the bat and behind the stumps. Last year, he stormed his way into the Indian Test team during England’s tour of the sub-continent. He played three games in the series in which he impressed big time. He also had an auspicious start to 2018 as Gujarat won the Ranji Trophy under his leadership, beating Mumbai by 5 wickets in the Final. During the game, he was unlucky to miss out on a century in the first innings.

However, he displayed an unflappable temperament in the second innings and scored 143 runs. The knock helped Gujarat track down the target of 312 set by Mumbai, which also earned him the Player of the Match award. With Saha as the specialist keeper, Parthiv Patel might not be the first choice keeper. However, he can be an integral element of the team provided he gets an opportunity to play.