One has to contribute with the bat too, says Parthiv Patel
What's the story?
India wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel, who has had an up-and-down journey thus far in international cricket since making his debut in 2002, has said that keeping wickets is no longer the only criterion for selection in the starting line-up of a side, with competition heating up and contributions with the bat growing in importance.
"Keeping wickets is no longer the sole criterion for selection now. The game has evolved. One has to contribute handsomely with the bat, too. It's as good as an all-rounder's job now," he reasoned.
In case you didn't know...
Parthiv started out as a 17-year-old on the tour of England 16 years ago, thus making him the youngest wicket-keeper in Test cricket. However, he soon lost his place to first Dinesh Karthik and then Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who even went on to lead the team, thus making it virtually impossible for Parthiv – or any other wicketkeeper – to sneak in.
After Dhoni's retirement from Tests, Wriddhiman Saha grabbed his opportunity, and Parthiv has been restricted to representing India only as a replacement wicket-keeper.
The heart of the matter
Parthiv acknowledged the current competition for the wicket-keeper's slot in the Indian team, having played the last two Tests on India's tour of South Africa when Saha pulled out due to an injury.
"These are exciting times for us. There are a number of wicket-keepers at this point of time waiting for their chance," he stated. "There is a healthy competition which is bringing the best out of us. Whoever is playing has to be on the top of the game whenever he gets an opportunity. That's the reason you see whoever is coming in is doing so well.”
What's next?
Parthiv is set to represent the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming edition of the IPL, which begins on April 7. The season commences with defending champions the Mumbai Indians taking on the Chennai Super Kings at home, while the Royal Challengers Bangalore launch their campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 8 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Author's take
Indeed, the role of a wicket-keeper has changed from that of a man responsible only with the gloves to one who must also contribute crucial runs, particularly with the lower-order. The likes of Brad Haddin have done that numerous times, even leading their nations to victories.