'I am only 31', Parthiv Patel sends people reminder after being included in Indian squad

New Delhi: When BCCI announced Indian squad for remaining three Tests against England, Gautam Gambhir's exclusion and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's inclusion were the only changes witnessed.

Later, injury to Wriddhiman Saha forced selectors to announce the wicket-keeper's replacement and many thought that the in-form Rishabh Pant might get his maiden call.

However, it was the veteran Parthiv Patel who was preferred by chief selector MSK Prasad and the selection committee.

Parthiv, who has not played for India in last 8 years, expressed his delight on being included for Mohali Test on twitter.

Thank you very much everyone for ur wishes...this couldn't have come at a better time..will give my best..#happytobeback#india#test — parthiv patel (@parthiv9) November 23, 2016

He tweeted, "Thank you very much everyone for ur wishes...this couldn't have come at a better time..will give my best.."

Parthiv also spoke to India Today saying,"It's great news to play for India again. It's been eight years and I have always been working hard and striving to stay fit. The belief has always been there."

"It's not that I have to remind people that I am only 31 yet. I made an early international debut but have been performing consistency at domestic cricket," he answered on being repeatedly reminded by public long tenure which is understandable considering he made his debut aged 17.

"I have heard a lot of great things about the current Indian team. I haven't played India for a while but have played with all of them in franchisee cricket and it will be great to join forces for national duty," he speaks on the prospects of being part of team India which is now top ranked in the world."

With DRS now a part of Indian cricket, the wicket-keeper batsmen responded on being asked of his understanding of the system, "Yes I have done it before. Its not rocket science, using DRS. I will use my experience and try to help the team best."