Rakesh Patel      

Full name Rakesh Bhanuprasad Patel

Born October 23, 1978, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Current age 31 years 33 days

Major teams Ahmedabad Rockets, Baroda, Gujarat

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm medium

Rakesh Patel is one of those workhorse fast-medium bowlers in India who have come close to representing the national side but been ignored after missing out on a place in the final XI. In 2002-03, Patel was selected for the ODIs in New Zealand; he sat out the tour and hasn't made the Indian team on merit ever since.

Patel, born in a south Gujarat village, began his first-class career with Gujarat before moving on to neighbouring Baroda. A strong, tall bowler, he has the ability to hit the 135kmph mark consistently when in his stride. His ability to bowl long spells is legendary among Ranji players. Although not a big star himself, the youngsters look up to him. Since the New Zealand tour, he has settled down in his role as a pace spearhead for Baroda - his more illustrious team-mates have rarely been present: Irfan Pathan spent a long time on national duty and Zaheer shifted to Mumbai. In 2006-07, while playing in the second division league in Liverpool, he was called up by the Indian side as cover when a virus swept through the team during an ODI series in Ireland and Scotland. Yet again, he failed to get a game and later that year, signed with the rebel Indian Cricket League. He played for Mumbai Champs before transferring to Ahmedabad Rockets. He accepted the BCCI's amnesty offer and quit the league in 2009, along with a host of other Indian players.
Sidharth Monga June 2009

Mar 7, 2001

Rakesh Patel's middle stump is uprooted by Colin Miller

© AFP

Feb 14, 2001

Agarkar bowls Rakesh Patel for a duck

© Cricinfo Ltd

Nov 7, 2000

Rakesh Patel giving catch practice to Sodhi, Doru and Gambhir

© Cricinfo Ltd

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