Internet Desk: MS Dhoni India’s T20 captain on Monday suffered a muscle strain prompting the BCCI to include Parthiv Patel as a back-up, just two days ahead of India’s Asia Cup T20 opener against hosts Bangladesh at Fatullah. BCCI National Selection Committee has named Parthiv Patel as his back-up.
Now, the question arises, why did BCCI choose Parthiv as his back-up as statistics reveals that he has never played in a position where Dhoni bats for India in T20Is? Parthiv has always opened for his state team and his IPL franchise. Parthiv last represented India in a T20I in 2011 against England at Manchester where he could just manage 10 runs from 12 balls.The 30-year-old left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, Patel plays for Gujarat in the domestic circuit, and has had a good season at home, hitting a century each in Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy tournaments.
Parthiv Patel later said in a statement, “ I am very happy for my selection. I want to serve my team if I get the chance to play. This is a great opportunity for me and I want to grab with both hands.”
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah did not train with the team as he was given rest by the team management while Harbhajan and Shikhar Dhawan were found sharing light moment amongst them by having a arm wrestling match. On the other hand, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane and Hardik Pandya were engaged in a photo session by the sponsors.