Athlai
Not Terrible
Jeetan 'Dave' Patel was born in Wellington, New Zealand on May the 7th, 1980. Patel (as his name suggests) has parents who are both of Indian origin. Yet the most interesting (and relevant to this forum) fact about Jeetan Patel, is that he is a cricket player.
Jeetan Patel represented Wellington age group level-teams (under 15, under 17 and under 19) and was ear-marked as a promising player in the early stages of his career. He made his first class debut in the New Zealand 99/00 season for the Firebirds and was brought into the NZ international team in 2005.
Yet Jeetan Patel has spent much of his career in Daniel Vettori's (New Zealand's premier spinner) shadow. Jeetan Patel is a cricketer who appears to ride on sheer determination and confidence, using loop and drift along with his spin to take the wickets of opposing batsmen. As a dedicated fieldsman, experienced bowler and a handy lower order batsman, Jeetan Patel has been able to cement his position in the Black Cap's squad. But what is his position in this squad?
More often than not, it is that of New Zealand's 12th man.
Often overlooked, under appreciated and under rated, Jeetan Patel is my own favourite cricketer. This young man brings an enthusiasm to the game second to none, even when sitting on the sidelines his natural charisma is undeniable.
This thread is a tribute to Jeeves, New Zealand's 'next' best spinner and one of the most charismatic players to have ever graced the bench.
Jeetan expressing his joy after dismissing Tim Ambrose in the 1st Test vs. England Hamilton, March 7 2008
Jeetan Patel represented Wellington age group level-teams (under 15, under 17 and under 19) and was ear-marked as a promising player in the early stages of his career. He made his first class debut in the New Zealand 99/00 season for the Firebirds and was brought into the NZ international team in 2005.
Yet Jeetan Patel has spent much of his career in Daniel Vettori's (New Zealand's premier spinner) shadow. Jeetan Patel is a cricketer who appears to ride on sheer determination and confidence, using loop and drift along with his spin to take the wickets of opposing batsmen. As a dedicated fieldsman, experienced bowler and a handy lower order batsman, Jeetan Patel has been able to cement his position in the Black Cap's squad. But what is his position in this squad?
More often than not, it is that of New Zealand's 12th man.
Often overlooked, under appreciated and under rated, Jeetan Patel is my own favourite cricketer. This young man brings an enthusiasm to the game second to none, even when sitting on the sidelines his natural charisma is undeniable.
This thread is a tribute to Jeeves, New Zealand's 'next' best spinner and one of the most charismatic players to have ever graced the bench.
Jeetan expressing his joy after dismissing Tim Ambrose in the 1st Test vs. England Hamilton, March 7 2008