Kenyan-born Dipak Patel had the ambition to play Test cricket and he left Worcestershire to emigrate to New Zealand where he could believed greater opportunities lay. Patel, a stylish middle order batsman, had played well for Auckland, and so his graduation to the Test team was eagerly awaited. His batting was held back by a lack of concentration when set, a lack of confidence and a few bad decisions early in his career. And after he was run out for 99 in what would have been his only Test century, his second-string offspin gradually assumed the ascendency, particularly in the limited overs form of the game. In the 1992 World Cup, he was used sensationally as an opening bowler, initially against Australia, in an attempt to counteract the tactic of hitting over the in-field during the first 15 overs. This strategy paid off handsomely, and he was often used in the same role in other matches henceforth. As an offspinner, his bowling was of the slower looping variety, but usually without much turn. Never spectacular at Test level, he nevertheless continued to develop each season.
Wisden Cricinfo staff