Back in 2002, the then 17-year-old Parthiv Patel made his international debut for India against England. It’s been close to 18 years since he arrived at the cricketing circuit. However, he has managed to play mere 24 more Test matches so far. Now 35, Patel is a veteran cricketer who is going strong at the domestic level.
The arrival of MS Dhoni in 2004 and the subsequent good show more or less closed the door for other contenders when it comes to glovework. Dhoni’s lightning-quick work and presence of mind made him a fine wicket-keeper who would double up as a clinical finisher of the game.
I had the opportunity to perform before him: Parthiv Patel
While many believe the talented southpaw from Gujarat was born in the wrong era, Parthiv himself begs to differ. Speaking on 100 Hours 100 Stars – a video campaign by Fever Network, the Ahmedabad-born cricketer said that he doesn’t consider himself ‘unlucky’.
“I don’t see myself as unlucky to be playing in the Dhoni era. I started my career before him, and I had the opportunity to perform before him,” he said.
“Dhoni came into the team because I did not have a couple of good series and I was dropped. I know people can say it just to gain sympathies that I was born in the wrong era. But I don’t believe that,” he added.
He further went on to say that Dhoni grabbed his chances well and that helped the Ranchi-born cricketer cement his place in the Indian team. The long-haired hard-hitter announced his arrival with a swashbuckling hundred against arch-rivals Pakistan in Vizag. And afterwards notched up his highest score of 183* against Sri Lanka in Jaipur back in 2005.
“Whatever Dhoni has achieved was something very very special and he achieved because he made sure of the opportunities he received. I don’t feel unlucky at all,” Parthiv said.
One of the finest captains in the history of Indian cricket, under the wings of Dhoni, India clinched the 2007 World T20 and 2011 World Cup. He led India to numerous victories during his time at the helm and made a name for himself as a finisher- who would take the game deep and blast towards the end to take his side over the line.
