Anil Kumble: Parthiv is a seasoned campaigner

Almost after a gap of eight years, wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel made a comeback to the national team, after regular wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha sustained an injury to his left thigh during the second Test in Visakhapatnam. Showing his ferocious nature in front of the stumps, Patel scored 42 and an unbeaten 67 in the third Test in Mohali to help India scamper home. He took two brilliant catches behind the stumps in the match as well.

Anil Kumble, the team India coach, is all praise for Parthiv, for adjusting to the opening position suddenly.

Kumble said, "Parthiv came in after eight years and did not really show nerves you would expect, although he is a seasoned campaigner. He was asked to open he did that brilliantly and also kept wickets very well. He was not worried about failing,” reported PTI.

The former India leg-spinner added, "I was really pleased that he could walk into that match and not just keep wickets and bat at six or seven. When you are making a comeback after eight years you always want to do well for yourself and here is Parthiv who was willing to put his hands up when asked to open. That shows his character. I am pleased with that.”

Kumble hailed the maturity level of Parthiv and the situation awareness.

"Even when he came into the team first as 17 or 16-year old, he still looks 16 if he shaves his beard off, he showed a lot of maturity first time he saved a Test match for India. It certainly shows if you are putting hard yards in domestic cricket, never losing your faith and believing that you can make a comeback, it's possible,” Kumble concluded.