Parthiv Patel Targets Helping Virat Kohli End RCB's Trophy Drought In 2020

Indian veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel has been one of the handiest openers at the top for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Parthiv Patel was one of the four members of RCB, who was part of the squad when they travelled to the UAE in 2014 for the initial phase of the IPL. Ahead of the upcoming edition, set to take place in the UAE, entirely, the southpaw has talked about his role.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Labels The Current RCB Squad As The Most Balanced Since 2016

Parthiv Patel enjoyed a fruitful season last year amid the franchise’s underwhelming performance, finishing last on the points table. In 14 matches, the keeper-batsman mustered 373 runs, striking at 139.18 alongside two half-centuries. Ahead of the forthcoming season, RCB has taken several steps to turn their fortunes around. The franchise has overhauled the coaching staff and picked bowlers to solve their death-bowling issues, which has remained their Achilles heel.

To begin with, Parthiv Patel hilariously mentioned that his role is to keep wickets and bat as he does. On a serious note, Parthiv added that as an experienced player, he tries to help all the youngsters and are comfortable to talk to him. The 35-year old stated that he assists them in making sure their mindset is right.

“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,” Parthiv stated as quoted by Hindustan Times.

“Mike has been a successful coach all over the world” : Parthiv Patel

The Gujarat-born cricketer praised Mike Hesson’s presence around their squad, who is RCB’s director of cricket operations. Parthiv Patel feels that there remains plenty of calmness and positive, owing to Hesson. The veteran added that the Kiwi-born gives equal importance to all the cricketers, hoping to translate his vibe and practice into performance and results.

“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),” the 35-year old asserted.

Parthiv Patel lauded the loyalty of RCB fans and reveals giving great support to them throughout the years. Parthiv, who has won the IPL trophy with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in 2010, 2015, and 2017 respectively, wants to make RCB win their first too. As a senior player, the keeper-batsman underlined that they are going to play their heart out to lift the title.

“RCB fans have always been loyal, they’ve been a great support for us throughout all these years. Like every year, we’ll be going into the tournament with the hope of winning it. As one of the senior players I can assure you that we are going play our heart out in every game and try and win whenever we step on the field,” he added further.

Also Read: Australia Dethrone England To Reclaim Top T20I Rankings