‘As I leave, I see Gujarat cricket in good shape’

AHMEDABAD: During a virtual interaction with media on Wednesday, the Ahmedabad cricketer said he was very satisfied with his career and felt that this was the right time to retire as there was nothing left to be achieved as a player or as a captain of the Gujarat side.
“I was contemplating this for almost a year as there is hardly anything left for me to achieve and I want to spend time with my family.My Gujarat Ranji trophy team, too, is in good shape,” said Parthiv, who represented India in 25 Tests, 38 ODIs and 2 T20Is.
The talented wicketkeeper-batsman has definitely been the best captain as far as Gujarat cricket is concerned. Under his leadership, Gujarat cricket reached its peak winning the Ranji Trophy, the Vijay Hazare Trophy (One-Dayers) and the Mustaq Ali Trophy (T20).
"Domestic cricket teaches one a lot and helps one deal with pressure. I have won every domestic title and I feel Gujarat cricket is in right shape," said Parthiv, who scored six Test fifties, which included a fine 69-run knock against Pakistan in Rawalpindi while opening the batting.
Captaining Gujarat in the succesful Ranji Trophy campaign in 2016-17 was certainly his most memorable cricketing moment as he transformed Gujarat into a force to reckon with in the domestic cricket. He should also be credited with grooming youngsters like Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Priyank Panchal and Manpreet Juneja.
The left-handed Parthiv scored 1,706 across formats with 934 runs (six half-centuries) coming in Tests. He had 72 dismissals in Tests to his name, which include 62 catches and 10 stumpings.
Parthiv, the youngest wicketkeeper to make a Test debut, said Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble had the greatest influence in his playing career.
"I would rate Sourav Ganguly as a great leader in every sense. He and Anilbhai were great leaders and they made me the kind of person I am," said Parthiv, who scored 736 runs in ODIs.