Patel's Triumphant Tale

Despite the limited resources available at its disposal, Gujarat EXECUTED ITS PLANS METICULOUSLY to end the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season on a memorable note.

- G.Viswanath

American author Augustine‘Og’ Mandino II had a way of inspiring the salesmen of the 20th Century. “I will persist until I succeed. Always will I take another step. If that is of no avail I will take another, and yet another. In truth, one step at a time is not too difficult. I know that small attempts, repeated, will complete any undertaking,” he wrote in his bestselling book, The Greatest Salesman in the World.

Mandino based his work on 10 principles that said: I will form good habits and become their slave; I will greet this day with love in my heart; I will persist until I succeed; I am nature’s greatest miracle; I will live this day as if it is my last; Today I will be master of my emotions; I will laugh at the world (Keep perspective); Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold; I will act now; I will pray for guidance.

TODAY, THERE ARE THOUSANDS of Gujaratis, who have been highly successful in the mercantile world. Some have successfully taken up trading in the stock market while the others have even sought employment in the tech world. They all have wonderful life stories. However, Parthiv Patel was one of the few that chose and pursued the gentleman’s game with great honesty and passion. And perhaps his philosophy can be likened to the one articulated by Mandino, though in a different area of activity.

Hitting the headlines at a very young age in the new millennium, Patel faced the vicissitudes of life on the cricket field with dignity. He did not let failure turn into an obstacle; instead, he worked hard not only on his game but also mentored his State side for many years in order to achieve the ultimate goal of winning the Ranji Trophy.