Gaekwad bats for Parthiv, Mongia

Parthiv Patel may have drawn some flak for his shoddy wicketkeeping in the first Test against Australia but former India player and coach Au...

Parthiv Patel may have drawn some flak for his shoddy wicketkeeping in the first Test against Australia but former India player and coach Aunshuman Gaekwad today came out in his support and said the youngster was a good investment for future.

“Who doesen’t drop catches? Even VVS Laxman dropped a few but keeping in mind Parthiv’s age and his sound temperament, he should be granted a longer stint,” Gaekwad said here.

“He will serve the Indian team for many years if persisted with,” Gaekwad said. Although he was all for forgiving Parthiv for his misses, he said out-of-favour Nayan Mongia should have been also considered by selectors as he was the best in the business in the current scenario.

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“Neglecting Nayan Mongia is baffling because he still is the best wicketkeeper in the country,” said Gaekwad, now a consultant with the Gujarat Cricket Association.

“Ajay Jadeja’s re-entry into the main fold proves that there was not much substance in the match-fixing controversy or it has not been proved. Why then chaps like (Mohammed) Azharuddin and Mongia are being kept out?

“Especially, the case of Mongia is strange. He is charged with nothing and though he is the best keeper in country he is left in oblivion without being given any reason.”

Gaekwad said that the BCCI should at least come out with a reason and make the situation clear to Mongia so that he does not keep waiting for the elusive call.

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