He will be playing his first One-day International after nearly six and half years but Parthiv Patel is not ready to think about the years spent in wilderness.
Having played only one international match (Test match vs Sri Lanka in August, 2008) in the last six years, the Gujarat stumper feels that it's time to look forward and make best use of the opportunities.
"I have been recalled to the national side and I am very happy. I don't want to think about why I didn't get a chance for so long. When I was out of the side, my job was to score runs in domestic cricket and I have done that. I am honoured that I have been rewarded for my performance," Parthiv said.
When asked whether at any point of time he felt frustrated, Parthiv replied, "I never looked at things that way. I had to remain positive and I did just that."
Parthiv is also thankful to Gujarat's chief coach Angshuman Gaekwad who has helped him become a better cricketer during this phase.
"He (Gaekwad) has been of great help. I believe that my technique has improved and also my attitude towards the game has been a lot more positive in these years," he added.
Is it too much of a pressure that he will only get two ODIs to prove himself? "I don't think that I should feel pressurised by the fact that I am getting a couple of matches.
"My endeavour is to do well whether I am batting or keeping wickets. I am not even thinking about ODI series in South Africa. My only focus is on the coming ODI matches against New Zealand."
He also said that he doesn't have any preferred batting position. "It's completely upto the team management to decide on my batting position. I am comfortable batting at any number," he said.
