Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Parthiv Patel made a massive revelation regarding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after IPL 2026. Parthiv played for the franchise for four seasons. However, in a podcast with Aakash Chopra, he shared his bond with the franchise and the perception of him among the fans. Parthiv Patel also revealed that he had recommended them to pick veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah during the 2014 mega auction as well.
“I have also done such things. At that time, I put up a post. I announced retirement after I did not get to play a single game that season. I put a post saying it was an honor to be released after being retired. I had also recommended Bumrah for RCB during 2014 mega auction. In 2024 when they qualified, it did not look like they would from anywhere. On the broadcast, I was the only one who was initiating that they could qualify. I was the only one who was supported this. There is a soft corner. I have played for them. In 2019, my dad was in coma. So I would play matches, take flights back home, and come and play again. And RCB was very supportive. That is something which I will always be thankful for. I do not need to go and explain to people. It is also a great franchise to play for. So selective memory is also a choice,” he said.
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“It is a fact. I had been told to be ready. I was told it could happen next year. But the next year, the one who had offered it itself was no longer there. Those two were not there. Gary and Nehra were replaced. I did not play a single match the next season. It was between Moeen and me but eventually it was supposed to be me,” he again shared.
Apart from RCB, Parthiv Patel also played for the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as well. While he mentioned enjoying the 2019 season with RCB, he reckoned MI got the best out of him as well.
“I would say MI. And one year at RCB when Gary and Nehra were there. But MI was the franchise where I enjoyed playing. RCB is also a great franchise to play for and they take care of you. It is very difficult to differentiate. But they would emotionally attach you to the team. That is a very big thing. You could easily get into a phase that you want to play for the money and walk away. But thinking for the team, it comes only when you are emotionally attached and CSK and MI do this. Especially MI, there are always there with you no matter what, even after you have played for them. CSK are the same with you even if you score a hundred or a duck,” Parthiv Patel concluded.
