Rakesh Patel

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