PRIYANK PANCHAL-LONG GRIND IN DOMESTIC CRICKET FINALLY PAYS OFF!

The Indian test cap is a dream for any cricketer when he begins his journey. While a lot of countless cricketers have plied their trade in the domestic cricket, only 303 players have been privileged to be afforded the Indian test cap. 31 year old Gujarat opener Priyank Panchal is in line to be become India’s 304th test player and the wait has been worth it. Panchal replaced Rohit Sharma who got injured during training and will miss all three test matches against South Africa.

Knowing Priyank Panchal the domestic giant –

Born on April 9th,1990 in Gujarat, Priyank Panchal is a tenacious batsman who opens the innings for Gujarat. Panchal is known to be an excellent judge of his off stump and has an impregnable defence. He is also known for his vigil at the crease and ability to grind out the bowlers. He played a huge part in Gujarat winning the Ranji Title under Parthiv Patel for the first time ever. His opening partnerships with Samit Gohel laid the groundwork for an eventual title win for Gujarat. Priyank is good against the spinners and can read the length of the ball quickly and can go over the top.

His domestic numbers-

Panchal made his debut for Gujarat in 2008 against Saurashtra and scored just 4 in his debut game. Since then he has gone on to play a total of 100 games in Ranji Trophy and scored over 7000 runs with an average over 45. Priyank is known for his excellent conversion rate and he has scored 24 centuries to go along with 25 half centuries. His best score of 314 not out came against Punjab during Gujarat’s title winning season.

Can he make his test debut on Boxing Day?

With Rohit Sharma ruled out, and Mayank Agarwal’s fitness still up in the air post his injury during the Mumbai test, one has to say that Priyank Panchal will most certainly don the Indian cap and become India’s 304th test player. He could be batting alongside KL Rahul when India takes on South Africa on 26th December in the first match at Centurion.

His recent form –

Priyank Panchal was part of the India A team which toured South Africa just a few weeks ago. He was the captain of the visiting side during the drawn series. Panchal scored 120 runs from 3 innings with a best of 96 off 171 balls during the first unofficial test at Bloemfontein.

Beating nearest competitions –

Prithvi Shaw and Abhimanyu Eeswaran were the other two players who were looked at as the reserve openers in the side. Shaw disappointed yet again by scoring just 151 runs from the 6 innings he batted. Eeswaran on the other hand scored 205 runs from 5 innings including a century in the “1st Test”. Panchal seems to have won the bat-off based on his experience in domestic cricket and also ability to negate the new ball.

Been close to selection before –

Panchal was part of the Indian set up earlier this year as well. He was in the reserves during England’s tour of India earlier this year. He was also spoken about as a potential candidate for the return tour to the old blighty which took place this year. He will become the 2nd Gujarat player this year after Axar Patel to make his test debut if he gets to play the centurion test on 26th December.

Domestic cricket hard work pays off –

The Indian selectors have been called out for picking IPL players in the recent past. With Rahul Dravid at the helm, the Indian coach does know a thing or two about the hard yards being put in the domestic circuit. Priyank Panchal’s inclusion in the Indian team is good example of the new approach by the Indian team management. 31 might not be considered the right age to make international debut for India, but the message has gone out loud and clear. Age no bar performance will be given weightage and you can still make it to the Indian team.

The inclusion of Priyank Panchal is heartening case of domestic players being called up and rewarded for their grind. While there is no guarantee of Panchal having a long test career with the batting talent riches India has, he will want to cherish this moment and make the best of and speak for the rest of his life.