#TFGtake: Parthiv did no wrong in Mohali, but Mumbai Test could be his swansong

RUNNING UP TO the Mohali Test, who would have imagined that Parthiv Patel would be a point of discussion in the Indian dressing room? Just when it appeared all gloomy for the diminutive keeper, he was asked to don the gloves for the third Test against England in place of the injured Wriddhiman Saha. 

The Gujarat lad knew he was hanging by a thread, but held his nerve to complete an all-round performance in Mohali. Firstly, his glove work against the spinners was neat. Secondly, his contribution with the willow (over 100 runs) in the game raised a few eyebrows- more in shock than admiration. 

However, despite a clinical showing, there is no guarantee that he will retain his place for the fourth Test in Mumbai. 

As per the reports, Saha is likely to be fit and should return to take his spot. Saha’s keeping skills, coupled with his consistent contribution with the bat in the recent past is enough to suggest that he is India’s No.1 wicket-keeper in Tests. 

Chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad too shared his thoughts with TOI. 

"Parthiv's statistics speak volumes about the way he has performed for Gujarat in the last few years. He has been very good with the bat, and more importantly, Parthiv's glove work is much better than before. But Saha remains our No. 1 keeper.” 

Given Parthiv’s impressive run in Mohali, the Indian think-tank might be tempted to use him only as a specialist opening batsman in Mumbai. However, if KL Rahul too is declared fit, then it will only worsen the headache of Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble further. 

Will it be a sensible move to bench Rahul, who has promised much lately and will be India’s regular opener in time to come? Or will it be fair to walk up to Parthiv and announce the inevitable? The Indian management might also consider resting Saha for another Test, given the workload that awaits him in the coming months. 

Whatever the outcome, we will only know on the morning of the Wankhede Test. But what we do know is that Karun Nair is likely to warm the bench after failing to impress in Mohali. 

While Saha remains the first-choice keeper, the selectors are also keeping a close eye on the 19-year-old, Rishabh Pant, who has been amassing runs in this year’s Ranji Trophy. Sure, skipper Kohli hinted about Patel being India’s backup keeper for overseas tours, but it would be a shame to see the selectors not introducing the next brigade keeping the future in mind. 

So where does that leave Parthiv? 

Although he is only 31, given he debuted at 17, it won’t be a surprise to see him vacate the scene for the next crop, just like how Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh were forced to. Still, Parthiv can take solace from the fact that he was lucky to represent India in 28 Tests & 38 ODIs, considering how MS Dhoni made it almost impossible for other aspiring individuals over the years. But be that as it may, unless, Parthiv produces another stellar performance at Wankhede, the Mumbai game could be his swansong. 

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