Parthiv pins hopes on India ‘A’

The wicket-keeper, almost certain to be picked for the India A squad for the tour of Zimbabwe beginning in mid-July, will get a chance to prove his mettle once again. The selection will take place on July 4,

“It is a good opportunity. I hope to make it to the squad and play for India A and perform well so that I can stay as India’s number three wicketkeeper. And whenever I get a chance to be in the national team, I will try to perform and stake my claim,” said Parthiv.

For the 22-year-old, however, all does not depend only on his performance. Dhoni, and now also Kaarthick, had simply done better, putting the equation beyond the selectors, and beyond Parthiv.

“I can only do my part. I have to have an outstanding domestic season and also with India A team. That’s the only way.” If anything that puts Dhoni and Kaarthick ahead of the Ahmedabad lad is their batting.

“My batting skills were never questioned. Only I have to concentrate hard and play longer innings. I have always got 40s and 50s. But now I will have to convert them into big knocks,” said Parthiv, who had become Test cricket’s youngest wicket-keeper at 17 years and 153 days.

So is batting getting more importance than wicketkeeping these days? “No wicketkeeping is equally important, if not more. I am looking forward to performing well in both departments. Rest is in the selectors’ hands,” he said.