Cricket fans around the country were in for a huge surprise on Wednesday after Indian team recalled Parthiv Patel to replace an injured Wridhhiman Saha for the third Test against England. The 31-year-old batsman, who made his Test debut in 2002, last represented India in the longest format eight years ago in 2008 against Sri Lanka.
It is quite safe to say the Gujarat player was not even in the frame for the national team but his fine displays with the bat in the ongoing Ranji Trophy convinced the team management to give him another chance. The southpaw has scored 415 runs at an average of 59.28, including a century and three fifties in five Ranji matches this season
As expected, the fans took to Twitter to express their surprise over Parthiv’s inclusion in the team. Here are some of the tweets:
Parthiv Patel back in the Test squad after 8 years!!
That is enough motivation for you to start your day. Nothing is impossible.
— Rashi (@rashi_kakkar) November 23, 2016
Parthiv Patel makes a comeback. Apparently, he now has a test career spanning over 14 years, longer than that of Sourav Ganguly #IndvEng
— Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) November 23, 2016
https://twitter.com/TroluKejri/status/801299182631927808
https://twitter.com/hankypanty/status/801298646209794048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/AkshayAher05/status/801311141553115136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Parthiv Patel made his Test debut in 2002 v Eng as a 17-yr-old. That was the time when India capt Virat Kohli was playing U-14 for Delhi ??
— Lisa (@carohi517) November 23, 2016
Parthiv Patel recalled in Indian team because small notes are in trend.
— EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) November 23, 2016
Hardik Patel got chance in India team then Urjit Patel became RBI gov. Now Parthiv Patel returns to Team.This is Modi's conspiracy~ Kejriwal
— Farrago Abdullah (@abdullah_0mar) November 23, 2016
Why Parthiv Patel when Rishab Pant is in such good form ? Rishabh's last 6 inning scores-117, 135 ,60 ,24 ,308 ,146 (790 runs) ?
— Lisa (@carohi517) November 23, 2016
Parthiv Patel is such a great person that he never looks down on people
because of his height .
— chacha monk (@oldschoolmonk) November 23, 2016
https://twitter.com/AkshayAher05/status/801311141553115136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Gujjus doing all round.
Now Parthiv Patel back from Ashes.#INDvENG— Deep (@ideepmatizen) November 23, 2016