Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has opened up about some of the most defining moments of his career, including his inspiring India comeback in 2011 and Gujarat’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph under his captaincy. Parthiv, who represented India in 25 Tests, 38 ODIs and two T20Is, endured a lengthy absence from the national white-ball setup before returning in 2011. His comeback came after a period when his international future appeared uncertain.

Speaking on a podcast with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, Parthiv Patel recalled how a selector had even suggested that he consider pursuing a business career instead of continuing to play cricket. The former wicketkeeper-batter, however, refused to give up. He revealed that he challenged the selector’s assessment and promised himself that he would return to the Indian team.

“In 2011-12, the same thing happened. I was scoring 700-800 runs consistently each season. But the selectors had changed then. I called the selector again. I got solid advice. He told me you are 27-28 years old and a Gujarati, see if you can do some business or not,” Parthiv Patel recalled.

The advice only strengthened his determination. Parthiv eventually made his India comeback in 2011 and immediately made an impact in white-ball cricket. During the five-match ODI series against England, he scored 172 runs, including a career-best 95 at Chester-le-Street. He also made his T20I debut against the West Indies that year.

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Another major milestone in Parthiv Patel’s career came when he led Gujarat to their maiden Ranji Trophy title during the 2016-17 season. At a time when Gujarat were not considered among the traditional powerhouses of Indian domestic cricket, Parthiv believed the team could achieve something special.

Gujarat defeated Mumbai in the final, with Parthiv Patel playing a starring role. He scored 90 and 143 across the two innings and was named Player of the Match. “Helping Gujarat win the Ranji Trophy was my biggest achievement. No one even thought we could win,” Parthiv said, reflecting on the historic campaign.

🚨 Parthiv Patel talking about on politics in team selection 🚨

Parthiv Patel – “In 2011, I called a selector to ask what I could do to improve. The West Zone selector advised me, “You are only 27 or 28 years old, and you’re Gujarati too, think about whether you could start a business.”

“Then, I challenged the selectors that there will be a comeback in the next 2 Team India and I did”.

“That’s when I posted “I wish I was born in Chennai” on Facebook. Selectors called me and asked what is that. I told that’s the fact”.

— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) October 8, 2026

The title was the culmination of a remarkable period for Gujarat cricket. The team had won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2013 and the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2015 before finally securing the Ranji Trophy in 2016-17. Parthiv’s career also featured another unexpected India comeback. After Gujarat’s Ranji Trophy success, he finished the 2016-17 season with 763 runs from eight matches at an average of 58.69, including two centuries.

His performances earned him a Test recall for India’s home series against England after Wriddhiman Saha suffered a hamstring injury. Parthiv went on to play three Tests, scoring 195 runs in four innings at an average of 65.00, including two half-centuries.

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Recalling the dramatic selection, Parthiv Patel said he had a feeling he would return to the Indian team while playing against Mumbai in Hubli. The next day, news of Saha’s injury opened the door. Parthiv then had to make a complicated journey from Hubli to Mohali, travelling via Goa, Mumbai and Chandigarh before joining the Indian squad.

His final international appearance came in the 2018 Johannesburg Test against South Africa. Parthiv Patel eventually announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2020, bringing an end to a career marked by resilience, multiple comebacks and a historic Ranji Trophy achievement with Gujarat.