While injuries have become commonplace in the Indian cricket team setup these days, with the likes of KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar picking up injuries, the news of Saha picking up a thigh strain in the second Test at Vizag caused concern in the Indian setup.
Though there are a number of credible wicketkeeping options in India, Saha has displayed incredible consistency since he made his way into the side after MS Dhoni’s retirement.
He did everything in his power to retain the place, even earning the praise of captain Virat Kohli. However, fate intervened and opened the door for one of India’s forgotten sons, Parthiv Patel to make an astonishing comeback into the Indian team.
While the news of his return sparked a frenzy in cricketing circles, his performance in the first Test justified his selection as he played a key role in India’s handsome win.
Here are 5 reasons why Parthiv Patel should replace Saha in the long run –
1) Experience
There is no doubting Parthiv Patel’s experience in the world of cricket. He debuted before MS Dhoni, when Kohli was playing U-14 cricket for Delhi and when Anil Kumble was at his prime for India. While he lost his place in the Indian team 8 years ago, he remained consistent in first-class cricket.
His numbers paint a case for his inclusion in the side as he nears 10,000 runs in first-class cricket, a remarkable achievement. What’s even more commendable is the fact that he worked on his game. He admitted the same in the post-match interview after the third Test, where he stressed that he worked on adding the drive to his repertoire to not rely on only the cut and pull shots to score runs.
India are enjoying a great run as the number one ranked Test team, but there are greater challenges ahead, on green surfaces abroad, and Parthiv’s experience of playing around the world can be a boost to the team.
2) Knowledge of the game and presence behind the stumps
In the third Test at Mohali, it was very noticeable that Parthiv Patel had a notable say in the proceedings of the game. He is very chirpy behind the stumps, which can help to boost the team’s morale as well as raffle the opposition batting.
He also chipped in with valuable input over the field settings to help captain Virat Kohli and his game acumen over the years can help him read the game better. In his 14 year Test career, he has worked under Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble, and can use what he has learned from the two greats to assist Kohli.
While the Indian team is certainly talented, having a man with such an abundant wealth of knowledge can only help the cause.
3) Aggressive stroke-making
Upon his return, Parthiv made it very clear that he was going to play his natural, aggressive game. There was no signs of nervousness from the pugnacious left-hander as he plundered the English attack, especially in the second innings where he scored a sparkling half-century.
Indian fans are accustomed to seeing him add runs at a quick rate in the IPL, but one must remember that this is his natural style of play. In a Test match, his style of play can alter the complexion of the game very quickly as he has a tendency to score quick runs.
When compared to Saha, who is of a more traditional mould, Parthiv provides a fascinating contrast with his ability to score runs at a canter, even in the longest format.
4) Flexibility in the batting order
While there is no doubt that Parthiv played as an opener due to injuries to other recognized openers and also, the injury to Saha, he can also bat at both the positions equally well. With injuries plaguing the top-order, he can be used at the top.
But with the imminent return of KL Rahul, the Indian team can very easily slot the Karnataka batsman back in and push Parthiv down the order. Further, if Parthiv impresses with his batting at the top, it gives the team management to play another recognized batsman in the middle order (cue Rohit Sharma).
Wriddhiman Saha is indeed a very accomplished batsman, but one cannot imagine him handling the responsibility on opening an innings.
5) Age on his side
Astonishingly, Parthiv is the younger of the two! He has been around for what feels like a generation, but he is still only 31 years old. Wriddhiman Saha on the other hand, is one year senior to Parthiv at 32.
Parthiv is no spring chicken as he certainly clocked a number of miles on his body, but his comeback has provided him the right impetus to go on for a number of years. In his first Test match back, he showed that he had lost no match fitness whatsoever and was capable of blending in with the youthful Indian team.
The team is at a very crucial juncture where they could do with a long-term, solid wicket-keeper and Parthiv can be that guy.
If he manages to fend off Saha, which will be very hard, and turns his career around with 4-5 years at the top, it will be one of the greatest stories of persistence and determination that the cricketing world will ever hear off.
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