In an exclusive chat with espnstar.com, Parthiv Patel said he is leaving no stone unturned to stage a comeback into the Indian team.

By Sudeer Mahavaadi

Q. What are your plans for the upcoming domestic season?

A. Every season is important. You come up with new ventures to give better performances. When you are striving to make a comeback, you always try to grab the opportunities that come your way. So, I am working hard. In fact, I have been satisfied with my domestic performances. I have scored runs at all levels and kept the wickets as well. This season, the main concentration would be on Gujarat doing well.

Q. How confident you are of making a comeback into the Indian team?

A. Well, I did make a comeback against Sri Lanka last year. I am not disappointed at all as I understand the situation and the competition. It is not good to blame the selectors. I am happy with whatever chances I am getting. Age is on my side. My duty is to perform well and grab the opportunities and I am just doing just that.

Q. In 2002, you made history by becoming the youngest wicketkeeper to make a debut. What do you think went wrong after that?

A. I still keep introspecting on that. In 2004 Australian tour I played well. I did even better at home. I had a good series against Pakistan. I never let anyone down with my batting but some people felt that I was not doing justice behind the stumps. Anyway, it is ok. Now I am a much improved keeper and a batsman and I am quite optimistic of returning to the Indian team.

Q. What do think you would have to do for an immediate return?

A. As I mentioned earlier - perform well and bide your own time. That is what I have been doing. I have been performing consistently. In tour matches in Zimbabwe I scored centuries and against South ‘A' also, I hit a ton. These performances have increased my confidence level and those performances also helped me stage a comeback.

Q. How important is IPL for players like you?

A. IPL is very important for youngsters. No body could think of such international exposure 2-3 years ago. Personally, playing along side some great players like Fleming, Hayden, Hussey, Ntini, Oram is unimaginable. Dhoni's encouragement is always there. As a player I learnt a lot in India and South Africa.