Duleep Trophy 2018: 5 players who can earn a call-up to Indian Test side

Parthiv Patel

From being a backup keeper to the fourth-choice currently, it has been a rough ride for Parthiv this year

21 runs in two Tests, including two ducks, is not the kind of form that you would want to exhibit when you are making a comeback after eight years. But that is what Dinesh Karthik's form reads after the first two Tests against England prompting calls for a debut to Rishabh Pant.

Irrespective of how Pant performs, it is safe to say that there is a spot open for Parthiv Patel with Wriddhiman Saha currently injured. The 33-year-old knows that some strong performances in the Duleep Trophy could elevate him back in contention for a spot in the Indian Test side.

Especially considering that his own comeback after eight years, which came during the home series against England went much better Karthik's as he scored two fifties and a 42 in his four innings. Having also played against South Africa earlier this year, Parthiv will certainly count himself unlucky to not get another chance. But a strong Duleep Trophy might just give him that ahead of the tour to Australia and New Zealand.