Parthiv Ajay Patel (born 9 March 1985) is a former Indian cricketer and wicketkeeper-batsman who represented the Indian national cricket team across all three formats. A left-handed batsman, he played domestic cricket for Gujarat and enjoyed a long, eventful career spanning nearly two decades. Notably, Parthiv made his Test debut in 2002 at the age of 17, becoming the youngest wicketkeeper to play in Test cricket.
Despite losing part of a finger in childhood, Patel trained rigorously and overcame the odds to become a top-level wicketkeeper. He was part of India’s victorious squad in the 2016 Asia Cup.
After announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket in December 2020, Parthiv transitioned to coaching, talent scouting, and commentary. He joined Mumbai Indians as a talent scout and was appointed Assistant and Batting Coach of Gujarat Titans in November 2024 for the IPL.
Parthiv Patel captained Gujarat to their maiden Ranji Trophy title in 2016–17, scoring 90 and 143 in the final against Mumbai. His second innings score remains the highest in a successful chase in a Ranji final. He became the first captain to win all three major Indian domestic trophies: Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
2018 – Captain of India Green in the Duleep Trophy
2019 – Captain of India B in the Deodhar Trophy
Parthiv was part of multiple IPL franchises:
Chennai Super Kings (2008–2010) – Regular opener with Matthew Hayden
Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011) – Appointed captain midway
Deccan Chargers (2012) – Signed for $1 million
Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013)
Royal Challengers Bangalore (2014, 2018–2020)
Mumbai Indians (2015–2017) – Opened the innings
He played as a consistent top-order batter and provided flexibility as a backup wicketkeeper.
In 2022, Parthiv was selected by Gujarat Giants in the Legends League Cricket and was appointed captain for the 2023 season.
Debut: August 2002 vs England at Trent Bridge
Age: 17 years and 153 days – youngest Test wicketkeeper in history
Played a crucial role in helping India save the match with gritty batting
Missed 83 Tests before his comeback in 2016
Debut: 2003 vs New Zealand
Selected for 2003 World Cup, but didn’t play any matches
Made a comeback in 2010 with two consecutive fifties against New Zealand
Also toured South Africa as Sachin Tendulkar’s replacement
Debut: 2011 vs West Indies
Scored 26 in his debut T20I
Played in early T20 matches during 2005 domestic phase
Replaced injured Wriddhiman Saha in the Mohali Test
Scored an unbeaten 67* in the second innings to guide India to victory
Played both T20I and ODI formats in Dhoni’s absence
Scored 56* in the second ODI
Retired: December 2020
Talent Scout: Joined Mumbai Indians post-retirement
Commentator: Regular face in IPL and international match coverage
Coach: Appointed Assistant and Batting Coach for Gujarat Titans (IPL 2025)
Parthiv Patel, along with Robin Singh and Rohan Gavaskar, played one of India’s earliest T20 matches in 2005. However, Dinesh Mongia holds the record as the first Indian cricketer to play a T20 match in 2004.
The injury to Rishabh Pant during the fourth Test between India and England has sparked fresh debate about the absence of injury substitutes in international cricket. Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has taken a strong stand, criticizing the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its stance on player replacements. Pant suffered a toe fracture after inside-edging…
