TOI
Ahmedabad, Dec 13 (mb): It's a jolt that probably matches the severity of the 2001 earthquake. For once, Gujarat forgot the heat and clamour of elections to raise its voice against what it sees as "sheer injustice" to the state — national selectors ignoring Parthiv Patel for the Australia tour despite excellent performance. And, Parthiv fans and commoners alike are crying foul as they see a plot in this to "ensure a berth for Dinesh Karthik".
"Gujarat's cricketers are being treated like untouchables. He is in great form and performing so well in domestic cricket. But, no matter what he does, nationally he's ignored," says a fuming convenor of Parthiv Fan Club, Devang Bhatt.
The anger against selectors is stoked by the fact that Karthik made it to the team despite a poor show in the Bangalore Test where he created the dubious record of conceding the most number of byes by a wicket-keeper. Parthiv's coach till a year back and former national coach Anshuman Gaekwad said: "On current form, Parthiv deserved a spot. Besides, he has done well in Australia in the past."
Former Indian stumper Nayan Mongia expressed sympathy for Parthiv. "It's unfortunate that Parthiv hasn't been selected. Age is on his side. But, I'm sure that he'll bounce back," said Mongia.
"Injustice has been done to Parthiv. It seems that the selectors have forgotten Dinesh Karthik's poor form with the bat and dubious keeping record in the third Test against Pakistan. The selection has been as dubious as Parthiv's form," said Gujarat Cricket Association chief consultant Ashok Patel.
"Selections are a sham. If performance in domestic cricket is a criterion, Virender Sehwag wouldn't have made the mark. He has nothing to show even in Ranji this year. Parthiv, by that standard would have been easily in," says a dejected Vijay Patel, Parthiv's Ranji Trophy coach.
Parthiv, however, was stoic. "I thought I had done enough to be selected. I performed well. The rest is not in my hands. I'll keep on performing and wait for my chance to come," he told TOI.