18 December,2009 07:42 AM IST | | Anand I Naik
Not long ago, a wicketkeeper-batsman was a priceless commodity in Indian cricket. But since the arrival of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, others have been forced to raise their level or change their approach.
Parthiv Patel seems to have done both. The Gujarat skipper returned with a fine unbeaten 148 on Day Three of their Ranji Trophy Super League game against hosts Mumbai, continuing his fine run in the tournament with the bat.
Gujarat were 432 for three in reply to Mumbai's 648 for six declared, with Bhavik Thaker (111 not out) scoring an unbeaten ton as well.
With 726 runs from seven games, including the current one, at an average of 72.60, Parthiv is the highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy this season a benchmark for batsmen looking to make the Indian team.
Former India opener Anshuman Gaekwad agrees that it's time he is considered more as a batsman. "Now you need to look at him as a batsman who can keep wickets. And once you take that approach, his importance increases greatly," said Gaekwad, who is a consultant to the Gujarat team.
"He has been scoring heavily in every format in the last few years. He can open or bat in the middle order. He can keep wickets also. The Indian team does not pick a reserve 'keeper unless they are going for a long tour. If for some reason Dhoni is unable to play on the day of the match, the team will be left without a 'keeper. It's time to take notice of Parthiv's utility," Gaekwad added.
