Former Indian keeper-batter Parthiv Patel has revealed that he had recommended the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) think tank to pick the ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah during the IPL 2014 mega auction.
Notably, Parthiv was part of the RCB set-up in IPL 2014 for the first time. Later, he was roped in for the 2018 to 2020 editions, representing the franchise for four years. In a conversation with former Indian opener Aakash Chopra, Parthiv disclosed that RCB was very supportive during his tough days.
“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 a post saying it was an honor to be released after being retired. I had also recommended Bumrah for RCB during 2014 mega auction,” Parthiv said.
“In 2024 when they qualified, it did not look like they would from anywhere. On the broadcast, I was the only one who was initiating that they could qualify. I was the only one who was supported this. There is a soft corner. I have played for them. In 2019, my dad was in coma. So I would play matches, take flights back home, and come and play again. And RCB was very supportive. That is something which I will always be thankful for. I do not need to go and explain to people. It is also a great franchise to play for. So selective memory is also a choice,” he added.
Further, the former keeper disclosed that Gary Kirsten and Ashish Nehra offered him the captaincy of the franchise in the IPL 2020 season. However, with Kirsten and Nehra parting ways with the franchise ahead of the IPL 2020 edition, Parthiv couldn’t play a single game in that season.
“It is a fact. I had been told to be ready. I was told it could happen next year. But the next year, the one who had offered it itself was no longer there. Those two were not there. Gary and Nehra were replaced. I did not play a single match the next season. It was between Moeen and me but eventually it was supposed to be me,” he concluded.
