Parthiv Patel is amongst the only 4 Royal Challengers Bangalore players who were part of the IPL when it last travelled to UAE in 2014. “We’ve played here in 2014 but six years is a long time. The world is different, nothing is the same,” he added. The pandemic has changed a lot of things for everybody and thing shave completely changed. Things have changed in the six years with Virat Kohli being one of the best cricketers to being the best one currently. While all the three players remained in RCB since then except for Parthiv who was released after 2014 and then later brought back in 2018.
“My role? I’m a wicket-keeper batsman, I’ll keep wickets and bat normally,” “Leading the side comes naturally, there are a lot of young players (in the RCB squad), who are quite comfortable chatting with me. I try and help them out, make sure they are in good space, that’s something you have to do as a senior player, help out the junior guys,” adds Parthiv who has led Gujarat toothier Ranji trophy title in 2017.
When asked about the batting line up for the team and how will Aaron Finch placed he replied “Thankfully and fortunately I’m not Mike Hesson (team director). So I don’t have to make those decisions. It’s about the team, it’s never about the individual player. Whatever the team decides I’ll be alright with it,”.
The RCB support staff has been revamped completely with Mike Hesson leading and Simon Katich as the Head Coach. “I think there’s a lot of calmness around the group and a lot of positive vibes with him (Mike Hesson around). The season’s new, everyone is looking forward to it. Mike has been a successful coach all over the world. So far whatever practice sessions we’ve had, he has added great value. He gives importance to each player of the squad. Hopefully, we can replicate this vibe and practice into performance (when the IPL starts).”