Born in Ahmedabad, Parthiv Patel's 18-year-old cricketing journey has been prodigious. Parthiv first hogged the limelight by racking up 455 runs and taking 13 catches in the 1999 Zonal Championship; he played a fundamental role in Gujarat's triumph. The Southpaw's consistent run in the U-16s and U-19s were a testament to his talent, forcing himself into the India U-19 squad. 

In 2002, Parthiv Patel captained the India U-19 squad for the Junior World Cup; he scored 184 runs in 6 matches, enough to convince the selectors to include him in the squad for the Test series against England. The Gujarat-born cricketer made his debut in the 2nd Test at Trent Bridge. 

Parthiv dead-batted his way to a 60-ball 19 in the 2nd innings when the fierce bowling quartet of Andrew Flintoff, Dominic Cork, Mathew Hoggard and Steve Harmison were going full throttle at him. Parthiv Patel's gallantry knock bagged accolades from the cricketing fraternity and also ensured that India avoided an innings defeat. 

Fast forward to 2020, Parthiv Patel has scored over 11,000 runs in first-class and 1,706 runs in International cricket. He is considered to be one of the most sought-after wicket-keeper batsmen in the last few years.

After a gig with the Challengers in 2014, Parthiv Patel marked his return to familiar territory after a four-year-break. 21st April 2019, The chants of "Parthiv...Parthiv" originated from every stand of the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. Parthiv's brilliance with the willow and last-ball heroics with the glove is still fresh in the memories of the fans. 

Parthiv's experience will prove to be a helping hand for the Royal Challengers Bangalore after having orchestrated innumerable victories in the IPL.

Numbers that Matter

• 17 years, 152 days - In 2002, Parthiv became the youngest wicket-keeper in Test Cricket. 
• 2848 - Seasoned campaigner, Parthiv Patel has amassed 2848 runs in the Indian Premier League. 
• 365 - The 36-year-old has scored 365 boundaries in IPL.
• 731 - The Southpaw has amassed 731 runs in 32 matches for the Challengers.
• 120.78 - Parthiv Patel has a strike-rate of 120.78 in the Indian Premier League.

In the recently concluded Ranji Trophy, Parthiv Patel contributed handsomely to Gujarat's campaign - The southpaw scored 468 runs in 8 matches at an average of 63.24. With 27 centuries, he recently crossed the 11,000 run mark in first-class cricket. 

Across an 18-year long cricket career and looks good for more, Parthiv Patel's experience adds a lot of value to the Royal Challengers Bangalore.