Patel has no regrets for leaving Gujarat

Barely a year after switching loyalties to Tripura for lack of adequate opportunities, his ‘home’ state Gujarat scripted a momentous chapter by joining the pantheon of Ranji Trophy champions, overcoming the powerhouse that Mumbai is in the final. Asked if he had any regrets at the decision he made, the 24-year old wicket-keeper brushed aside any such notions and said he was at peace despite leaving his home comforts. 

“I’m proud of representing Tripura. However, I’m happy that Gujarat, which is my first home, has won the Ranji Trophy last season. It has a good mix of youth and experience. I have many friends in that team in Manpreet Juneja, Priyank Panchal and Chirag Gandhi, who have all been doing consistently well for over a period of time. I wish them every success,” said Patel. 

As someone who thrust himself into the forefront of the viewers’ collective memory by letting out a monstrous roar after hitting the winning runs in the 2012 Under 19 World Cup final against Australia, Patel’s career hasn’t exactly taken off in a flight of fancy he would have wished for. Not that he is complaining.

“This Ranji season is crucial for me. I hope to make it count by scoring lots of runs and I’m also constantly working on improving my glovework. If I do well this year, it will also help me in getting an IPL deal,” added Patel. 

It has only been a day since the Tripura contingent landed in the port city, but Patel kept himself busy by calling on his World Cup winning teammate B Aparajith. “I have had a word with him on Wednesday. We both go back a long way and it’s good to see him and his brother Indrajith performing well for their state and India ‘A’ teams,” remarked Patel. Come match-day, there will be no thoughts of friendship as both combatants will target an outright win after managing only uninspiring draws in their respective opening round fixtures.