Veteran Indian goalkeeper Parthiv Patel said goodbye to the men’s game on Wednesday. Debuting internationally at the age of 17, Parthiv announced its retirement from all formats after an 18-year career.
The 35-year-old declared that he found it the “right time” to move after winning every possible national cricket tournament for Gujarat along with three IPL trophies.
During a media interaction, Parthiv praised its first test captain and current BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly, calling him “a leader in the true sense.” He also thanked the legendary Anil Kumble, stating that his influence on his life went beyond the cricket arena.
“I would always consider Sourav Ganguly a leader in the true sense with his man-management skills. Sourav and Anil Kumble were great leaders and made me the kind of person I am, ”Parthiv said during a virtual interaction.
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“I still have the test cover with my name wrongly printed ‘Partiv’ that Dada gave me. The victories at Headingley (2002) and Adelaide (2003-04) and the half century that opened the entrances at Rawalpindi will be my favorite memories, ”he added.
Parthiv made the announcement via a social media post on Wednesday morning. During the conversation, he revealed that retirement was on his mind for the past year and that the timing couldn’t have been better.
“I am at peace with my decision and I slept well. Although my family members were crying. I have been contemplating this for a year and after 18 years, there is almost nothing else to accomplish. I have won all the national tournaments, three IPL trophies and Gujarat cricket is in good shape, ”said Parthiv.
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Parthiv Patel made his debut for India during the 2002 tour of England. It then appeared in 25 tests, 39 ODI and two T20I, with a score of 934, 736 and 36 respectively in the three formats.
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