Just a day after announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket, Parthiv Patel has joined IPL champions Mumbai Indians as a Talent Scout. The 35-year old, who was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for this year’s IPL, has previously plied his trade for the five-time IPL winners.
Mumbai Indians had signed him in 2015 and he stayed with the franchise for three seasons, helping them win the title in 2015 and 2017. In 2018, Royal Challengers Bangalore had secured his services. In the past, he has also played for Chennai Super Kings, Deccan Chargers, Kochi Tuskers Kerala and SunRisers Hyderabad.
“I had enjoyed my cricket playing for Mumbai Indians, those momentous three years with the champion sides remain etched in my memory. It’s time now to turn a new chapter in my life. I am excited, confident, and thankful to the Mumbai Indians management for the opportunity presented to me,” Parthiv Patel said, following the announcement of his new role with the franchise.
Parthiv Patel also has ample experience of India’s domestic arena, having played at the level for nearly two decades. He was also playing in the IPL since its first season in 2008 and missed out on playing a single game in a season only this year as RCB preferred the likes of Devdutt Padikkal and Aaron Finch.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians will be hoping that their latest Talent Scout continues their knack of unearthing big talents. In the past, John Wright, the former India coach, served in a similar capacity for the franchise, and is credited with unearthing Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the 2013 season.
Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani expressed his delight over Parthiv Patel’s latest association with the team. He is hopeful the former cricketer would enhance the franchise’s scouting system with his cricketing knowledge.
“I am delighted to have Parthiv joining us. We had the opportunity to pick his cricketing brain during his playing days at Mumbai Indians. I am very confident of his contribution to further enhance our scouting system with the depth of cricketing knowledge he possesses. Parthiv understands our ideology, the DNA of Mumbai Indians, and what we are trying to create at MI,” Akash Ambani said.