NEW DELHI: Priyank Panchal had simply returned from the India A tour of South Africa and was spending time along with his household.
On Monday morning, his cellphone began ringing. Priyank, who was in the course of a dialog along with his household, picked up the cellphone and went into his room. When he returned, there was a giant smile on his face and he broke the large information to his household. He had acquired a name up for the Indian Take a look at squad for the upcoming South Africa tour.

The Gujarat batsman changed Rohit Sharma within the India squad. Rohit sustained a left hamstring harm throughout a coaching session in Mumbai and was dominated out of the upcoming 3-match Take a look at sequence vs South Africa, beginning with the Boxing Day Take a look at (December 26) on the SuperSport Park in Centurion. The second Take a look at can be performed from January 3 on the Wanderers in Johannesburg and the third and last Take a look at can be hosted by Newlands in Cape City from January 11.

“I used to be at dwelling after I acquired the call-up. I’m actually completely satisfied. It is each cricketer’s dream to don the India colors and jerseys and nothing on the earth can really specific this sense. I’m fortunate that I’m residing this dream. I’m actually excited. I’m trying ahead to becoming a member of this star-studded squad. This Indian workforce could be very sturdy. Be it bowling or batting, each field is completely ticked in our squad. We have now skilled gamers. I’m actually fortunate and honoured to be part of this squad,” Panchal advised TimesofIndia.com.
Panchal, who has simply come again from South African situations can be wanted to search out the identical focus he confirmed whereas enjoying for India A lately.

Panchal captained the India A workforce in two of the three Unofficial Assessments vs South Africa A lately and scored 120 runs in 2 matches, together with a 96 off 171 balls within the first Unofficial Take a look at.
“I simply got here again from the India A tour in South Africa. I used to be main the workforce. I scored 96 runs and missed out on a century however had a beautiful expertise on the tour. I’m effectively conscious of the situations in South Africa. If I get an opportunity, the expertise of enjoying in South Africa will certainly assist me. So far as the challenges are involved, I’ve ready myself in such a means that I’m prepared for any problem,” Panchal, who has 7011 runs in 100 first-class matches for Gujarat at a median of 45.52, together with 24 centuries and 25 fifties, additional advised TimesofIndia.com.

Panchal was by the way additionally a part of the India Take a look at squad as a stand-by participant in opposition to the visiting England workforce in February-March earlier this 12 months. He was launched for the Vijay Hazare Trophy forward of the final two Assessments. India had received the four-match Take a look at sequence 3-1 and Panchal had a beautiful time within the Indian dressing room throughout the first two Assessments.
Now that the 31 12 months outdated from Ahmedabad is a part of the Take a look at squad as a full member, he should be at his greatest. Coming into the squad as a substitute for Rohit Sharma, Panchal might be requested to open the innings if he’s included within the enjoying XI. It is a function he performed for India A in South Africa lately as effectively, the place he opened with Prithvi Shaw.
“I’m able to bat in any place and in any scenario. As a cricketer, I’ve to at all times be prepared and do effectively when my workforce wants me probably the most. If captain Virat bhai or coach Rahul sir ask me to bat in a particular place, I can be prepared. I’m very excited to fulfill Dravid sir and Virat bhai,” Panchal, who additionally has 14 First Class wickets below his belt along with his proper arm medium bowling, additional mentioned.

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“I used to be with the Indian workforce when the England workforce got here to India for the Take a look at sequence. I met Virat bhai and mentioned batting strategies with him. I acquired to work together with different gamers who’ve been enjoying for a very long time as effectively. I do know the environment inside the workforce. It’s superior and I’m desperate to be part of it. I do know Rahul sir. I’ve been enjoying for India A for 4 years and Rahul sir was there for steering. I’m keen to simply accept this new problem and I’m very excited,” Panchal advised TimesofIndia.com.
Will the truth that he has been referred to as up as a direct substitute for Rohit Sharma, the India Take a look at vice captain and the brand new Indian restricted overs captain add any further stress? To this query Panchal mentioned : “I do not like comparisons. I do not examine myself with anybody. I’m actually completely satisfied and grateful that the selectors have given me a possibility and if I get an opportunity to play, I will not disappoint. I’m grateful to the selectors, the coaches, my fellow gamers, and naturally my household who helped me attain this stage.” Panchal signed off.