Mumbai: Parthiv Patel made a surreal comeback to the Indian Test team after eight long years. The wicketkeeper-batsman was called back to the team as a replacement for the injured Wriddhiman Saha. And Parthiv was not going to let the opportunity pass.
Having asked to open the innings in Mohali due to KL Rahul’s injury, the Gujarat batsman made a fluent 42 in the first innings. He followed it up with a quick fire unbeaten 67 off 53 runs to lead India to an eight wicket victory over England.
Parthiv is delighted to have hit the winning runs on his return to the Test arena.
"It was a great moment for me. I have been a part of Test matches before but I had never ever hit the winning runs," Patel was quoted as saying by BCCI.tv.
"As a batsman, it feels great to finish off the game. To get the winning runs after making a comeback is a proud moment for me. Virat was at the other end and he said he was very happy to see me getting runs. Playing for your country is the biggest honour and making a comeback is even harder. He along with other teammates made me comfortable as and it was pleasing to get runs for the team," Pathiv added.
The southpaw pointed out that his experience helped him to clam down his nerves.
"Having played domestic cricket for long, I know my game well. I was always backing myself to get runs. I was in very good form in first-class cricket and I wanted to make this opportunity count. I wanted to continue that form into this Test match. It is the kind of energy you need to take while you are batting. The most important part is to get runs in the game and if you are getting them, you release a lot of pressure off yourself and from the partner who is batting with you at the other end," said the wicketkeeper.
"I played well in the first innings as well but it was necessary to show intent in the second innings, especially when you are chasing a low score. I am glad I could get a fifty in the second innings and stay there till the end for the team," he added.
The left-hander also credited the Indian dressing room for helping him to settle down quickly on his return.
“It was because of the kind of welcome and vibes I got in the dressing room, which was really important. Coming after eight years and wearing India whites, you are a bit nervous before the start of the Test match or while you are preparing for that moment to play for India. The guys welcomed me and it never felt like I was coming back to the dressing room after a huge gap.”
