MSK Prasad reveals why Parthiv Patel was chosen ahead of Rishabh Pant

Ever since the new selection panel led by MSK Prasad was announced, the criteria for selection has changed along with players that have played for the Indian Test side. Chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad spoke about why Parthiv Patel was chosen ahead of Rishabh Pant and the decision made by the committee to have conversations with all the players in an exclusive interview with The Indian Express.

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One of the biggest revelations of the season so far has been Rishabh Pant’s form in the Ranji Trophy. The Indian U-19 star has been racking up the centuries this season and already has four tons and two fifties in his tally of 903 runs in seven matches at an average of 90.30 and a mind-boggling strike rate of 111.61.

With the injury to Wriddhiman Saha and the selectors’ insistence of picking players in form and for the future, many expected Pant to feature as a replacement but the selectors opted to go for experience in the form of Parthiv Patel.

Although Patel excelled on his comeback, scoring a Test fifty after 12 years and also scoring the winning runs, while also doing an excellent job as a make-shift opener, Prasad revealed why the reasoning behind not picking an in-form Pant.

Speaking about Parthiv’s selection, he said: “It’s 100 per cent a strong message to those scoring at domestic level. I have been talking to Parthiv for the past one year or so. Parthiv has raised the bar and has reached new levels.”

The chairman of selectors was also quick to admit that Parthiv’s performances were down to the cricketer’s preparation and not down him or any other selector.

“Exactly a year ago, I showed him this is where you stand, and this is where you’ll get your chances. You have to be prepared when it comes your way. He was eagerly waiting for it. He has really earned it. It’s very tough for a wicket-keeper. There’s always only one slot up for grabs,” he continued.

“The way he batted, it looked like he was just ‘knocking’ or in practice. It was phenomenal the comfort with which he batted for a guy who’s come back after eight years. It speaks volumes about his mental toughness. For Parthiv, apart from keeping his motivational levels high, things like IPL have really helped.”

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Reason behind selecting Hardik Pandya

Given the insistence on having more conversations with domestic players, it was also not surprising to note that Prasad also had a conversation with the U-19 star who has taken the Ranji Trophy by storm this year.

“I had a long discussion with Rishabh Pant and I explained the roadmap to him, and I have shown him the picture that lies ahead of him, where he is, where he should be heading, how he can get there. It’s the same with any youngster like Priyank Panchal or a Deepak Hooda, the selectors need to draw the roadmap for them,” Prasad said.

MSK Prasad also spoke about the reasoning behind selecting Hardik Pandya, depsite his limited success in the format and the need for having a system in place.

“The committee believes that players should come through a certain system. There has to be a systematic process, like what I’ve said about Rishabh Pant. But there will be a one-odd talent like Hardik who will stand out,” he said. “In the case of Hardik, I should say that he is no way related to any of the selectors. None of us were close to him. But he’s got that X-factor in him, and we all felt that. And there is also a slot that is available, and we felt he’s the best. He selects himself for that slot.”