Has Parthiv Patel earned the right to be first choice Test wicket-keeper for India?

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Parthiv Patel has been really impressive with the bat. I did not watch all the innings, so am not sure about how his glovework was. But from what I saw, it was pretty solid. He took some sharp ones too, especially one from an under edge in last match.

His attitude has received lot of praise from media and commentators as well. He put his hand up to open when openers got injured. Especially in fifth test, to open after keeping for 5 1/2 sessions was remarkable.

Dhoni was irreplacable for nearly 7-8 years. It must have been frustrating for someone like Parthiv, who toiled hard to improve his keeping and battig to sit on the sidelines. He has shown real hunger and attitude for the lost time. Saha has not done much wrong. So this will be a tough one.

 

[Metron]

No,Parthiv's Keeping is still poor. Saha can bat a bit and keeps better.
Parthiv can remain in the 15

 

[Varun]

We're on a hiding to nothing with both Patel and Saha. Both are well into their thirties and are middling batsmen at best.

Probably (hopefully) a transitional phase until we unearth a solid keeper and batsman from the Ranji circuit.

TLDR? I don't rate either P or W.

 

[troodon]

I prefer Patel.

Saha only scores against weak teams and goes missing against stronger bowling units.

Saha,s keeping us also overrated.

 

[Metron]

We're on a hiding to nothing with both Patel and Saha. Both are well into their thirties and are middling batsmen at best.

Probably (hopefully) a transitional phase until we unearth a solid keeper and batsman from the Ranji circuit.

TLDR? I don't rate either P or W.

Rishabh Pant is perfect keeper in waiting.

 

[Swanny]

we need a solid wk/bat who can open so we can play 5 bowlers consistently.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

No.

 

[street cricketer]

Much better than Saha with the bat.

But the guy is an Akmal incarnation.

 

[pillionrider]

Those who prop up Saha evidently havent seen him keep. He's as bad as Patel.

Parthiv is the superior batsman. Saha always looks edgy even when he manages to get a score.

No cricket fan has possibly detested Parthiv more than me - just that Saha is that bad.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Nope, but he is a decent utility player though to have in/around the squad.

His keeping isn't good enough to be given the gloves on a full time basis and having made his test debut almost 15 years ago if he hasn't sorted his keeping out by now he never will.

I think India are going to go through a period like they did in the 90s and early 00s when it comes to wicketkeepers. Back then, before we stuck with Dhoni (and after Mongia had gone), we tried:

Prasad, Karim, Dahiya, Dighe, Dasgupta, Ratra, Patel and Karthik. Those were painful days where even if a keeper averaged 30+ we'd happy.

 

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I dont know why everyone says his keeping is bad. It was bad in 2004. I have not seen too many blunders now, and in fact saw some sharp catches. But I am not an expert in judging keepers technique and footwork. Saha has done well with bat in some recent tests though, but Parthiv is definitely more talented with the bat.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Parthiv, Saha, Naman Ojha they all seem pretty mediocre to me tbh. Its like picking the least worst of the lot.

I feel it wouldnt harm to give Pant a shot in the solitary BD test that's coming up. He is someone who is aggressive as well, so it would add a different aspect to our otherwise quite one dimensional batting lineup.