Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has made a stunning revelation about Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Jasprit Bumrah. The former RCB star revealed that he was once told to prepare for the captaincy role ahead of IPL 2020.
However, changes in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru coaching staff changed his plans, and he did not play a single match that season. Parthiv also opened up about his relationship with RCB and revealed that he had recommended Bumrah to the franchise during the 2014 IPL mega auction. Earlier, Parthiv Patel made a claim on Shubman Gill.
Parthiv Patel reveals emotional reason behind his special bond with RCB
Speaking on Aakash Chopra’s podcast, Parthiv Patel explained why he still has a special connection with Royal Challengers Bengaluru despite his tough final season with the franchise in the IPL. He revealed that his relationship with RCB was not always smooth.
After announcing his retirement following IPL 2020, he posted a message taking a dig at the franchise for releasing him. However, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batter said that he always had a soft corner for the team because of the support he received during difficult times.
In 2019, Parthiv’s father was in a coma. Despite the family emergency, he continued playing matches, travelling home between games, and returning to the team. He remained thankful to RCB for supporting him during that period.
There is a soft corner: Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel told Aakash Chopra, “I have also done such things. At that time, I put up a post. I announced retirement after I did not get to play a single game that season. I put up a post saying it was an honor to be released after being retired.
There is a soft corner. I have played for them. In 2019, my dad was in a coma. So, I would play matches, take flights back home, and come and play again. And RCB was very supportive. That is something that I will always be thankful for.”
Parthiv Patel wanted RCB to sign Jasprit Bumrah, but they ignored
Meanwhile, Patel revealed that he had suggested RCB pick Jasprit Bumrah in the 2014 IPL mega auction, but they completely ignored him, and they didn’t even raise the paddle for the young pacer.
And the Mumbai Indians eventually re-signed Bumrah for ₹1.20 crore at the IPL 2014 mega auction after tough competition from the Delhi Daredevils and the Rajasthan Royals. At that time, India’s current best fast bowler went on to become one of the most expensive uncapped players at the auction.
Bumrah had made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2013 as an uncapped player, earning ₹10 lakh and playing two matches. MI’s decision to spend that much money on the talented fast bowler proved significantly awesome, as he has been Mumbai and India’s key bowler for the last 6-7 years.
Patel recalled, “I had also recommended Bumrah for RCB during the 2014 mega auction.” Amid this, Abhishek Sharma reveals what he wants to steal from Virat Kohli ahead of Ranchi T20I vs WI.
Parthiv Patel reveals RCB captaincy plan that fell apart; picks MI and CSK
Parthiv revealed that he had been asked to prepare for the RCB captaincy ahead of the 2020 season. The plan was discussed when Gary Kirsten and Ashish Nehra were part of the coaching staff. However, both left after the 2019 season, and that couldn’t happen.
The former Indian cricketer felt Mumbai Indians brought out the best in him. Parthiv praised MI for building a strong emotional connection with their players and making them feel part of the team. He also lauded CSK for treating players equally, whether they scored a century or zero.
Patel signed off by saying, “I would say MI. And one year at RCB when Gary and Nehra were there. But MI was the franchise where I enjoyed playing. CSK is also a great franchise to play for, and they take care of you.”
