TIL Desk Sports/ Parthiv Patel’s positive batting with scores of 42 and 67 (not out) have impressed skipper Virat Kohli so much that he did not rule out a possibility that along with second wicketkeeeper’s slot, the Gujarat stumper could also be an option as back-up opener.
With KL Rahul’s injuries, failure of Gautam Gambhir and Shikhar Dhawan still to hit a good run of form, Parthiv hashas emerged as an another alternative for the skipper. Asked if Parthiv could be Rahul’s back-up, Virat sounded optimistic, “Wow, that’s a good headache to be honest. You never know, there are all kinds of possibilities. The way he approached both the innings, it was amazing to see.
That’s where experience from first-class level comes into play. The intent he showed in both innings deflated the opposition totally. Credit to him to go out there and counter-attack the seamers. He really stood out for me as a batsman, as a keeper as well he did well. So you never know, let’s see what happens in next few days and we will take a call accordingly.”The skipper is also happy that the reserve pool of bowlers has enabled him to push his strike bowlers that bit extra.