Parthiv Patel a brilliant ambassador for Indian cricket: Sourav Ganguly

NEW DELHI: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, under whom Parthiv Patel made his international debut, has said that the former wicketkeeper-batsman has always a team man and a brilliant ambassador for Indian cricket.

Patel, who played 25 Tests, 38 ODIs and two T20Is for India, on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He had made his international debut at the age of 17 in an away Test series against England in 2002. A gritty left-handed batsman, he scored six Test fifties, which included a fine 69-run knock against Pakistan in Rawalpindi while opening the batting.

"Parthiv has been a brilliant ambassador for Indian cricket. He has always been a team man and it was a pleasure to captain him when he made his international debut at the age of seventeen," Ganguly said in a statement.

"His hard work has earned him laurels in international and domestic cricket. I congratulate him on a fantastic career and wish him the very best for his future endeavours. His performance in the Ranji Trophy final to win Gujarat their only title will always be remembered in the history of Gujarat cricket," the BCCI president added.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah said: "Parthiv Patel has always played his cricket with passion. While he played some hard-fought cricket for the Indian team, his contribution in domestic cricket shall inspire the future cricketers."

"It was a tremendous feat to lead Gujarat to a maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in the 2016-17 season, a testimony to his astute leadership qualities. BCCI congratulates Parthiv on a successful journey and for his contribution to Indian cricket," he added. (IANS)

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