It is not easy being a wicket-keeper, especially when the opposition is on top, and has the batting side out in the field for nearly two days. A keeper is often ignored and only makes headlines when his mistakes are amplified. Parthiv Patel made a big impression on Saturday. He was out on the field for 157.2 overs as England batted out for that duration. He picked up four catches during the innings. More significantly, Patel stepped up to open the innings after Murali Vijay got injured. He remained unbeaten on 28 from 52 balls, as India batted out 20 overs.
There was nothing but praise on Twitter for Parthiv’s selfless effort.
Hats off to Parthiv!
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 17, 2016
Puts his hand up to do the tough job in tests. Yet again, 157 overs of keeping & ready to open the innings.🙏
This is a hugely admirable performance from @parthiv9. Behind the wickets for 157 overs in Chennai and then playing 20 tricky overs. Top!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 17, 2016
157 over keeping+ 20 over batting 👍👍, you really need a long sleep tonight.😴😴 @parthiv9
— Saroj Jha (@way2saj) December 17, 2016
Parthiv Patel kept the wickets for 157 overs in 5 sessions. Opened the batting in the 6th session. #IndvsEng#INDvENGpic.twitter.com/AeWgZPhKVV
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) December 17, 2016
Be like @parthiv9. #INDvsENGpic.twitter.com/iooHUX1E5V
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) December 17, 2016
Good to see India went with keft and right combination.. I feel #india should continue this opening pair @parthiv9@klrahul11
— Riley!! (@Rahulpathak_31) December 17, 2016
This is a hugely admirable performance from @parthiv9. Behind the wickets for 157 overs in Chennai and then playing 20 tricky overs. Top!
— Sidharth Sudhakar (@sidhusid007) December 17, 2016
To keep wickets for 157 overs mainly spinners who don't gv time to WK to relax & open the innings Parthiv Patel is proving critics wrong
— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) December 17, 2016
This is called grabbing chance with both hands .. hats off to @parthiv9 for continuing playing with passion.. so vaat che, jalwo che !!
— Mahavir Rawat (@khelmahavir) December 17, 2016
My respect for @parthiv9 has increased immensely.157 overs is a long time to keep wickets n then opening d innings-incredible! Well done,boy
— Vidya Sharada (@vidyasharada) December 17, 2016
What a brave and selfless decision to open after keeping 157.2 over! And seen through 20vers! Take a bow!! @parthiv9
— Jana (@jana_elango) December 17, 2016
