We spoke to Jeetan Patel about his MVP title and Warwickshire's successful season
By Rob Barnett
Newly-crowned FTI MVP Jeetan Patel signed a new Warwickshire contract today after a stunning season he hopes will lead to a New Zealand recall.
The off-spinner’s 107 wickets helped the county finish in the top two of all three domestic competitions, including winning the NatWest T20 Blast.
Patel, who last played for his country in January 2013, turned down a New Zealand call towards the start of the campaign to honour his commitment to Warwickshire - where he will now remain for another two seasons - and stay close to his young family.
He stressed at the time that he had not retired from international cricket and has now told ecb.co.uk he is available for the Black Caps, including at the World Cup early next year in New Zealand and Australia.
“You’ve got to make sure that you keep performing and keep performing at the right time,” he told this website.
“I’d love to play for New Zealand again. I’d love to play in the World Cup. I think it’s an amazing event, especially it being in New Zealand and Australia.
“But again that’s not up to me. What I can control is my performances. As long as I keep banging them out I suppose. If they [the selectors] come knocking on the door then I’d certainly look at it.”
Although the 34-year-old is at the top of his game, he senses his playing days are drawing to an end.
Patel therefore is keen to pass on his knowledge to youngsters, possibly combining his playing role with coaching or mentoring at Warwickshire next season.
Patel's new deal means he will stay at Edgbaston until the end of the 2016 campaign and he is determined to leave a legacy at the club.
“I’ve been around the game for a long time now. I feel like I have anyway,” he said.
“It’s time for me to impart some of my knowledge on to the guys coming through. Whether that’s in a leadership capacity or a skill performance thing, it’s time for me to pass on.
“I’m enjoying the fact that I’m taking wickets right now but that could change. You never know; cricket’s a funny game.
“It’s one of those things that I want to enjoy right now and hopefully it all ticks over again next year.”
Patel will be hard pressed to better his, and Warwickshire's, achievements of this campaign.
The county exceeded their pre-season targets while Patel was the leading wicket-taker in the Blast and Royal London One-Day Cup.
Not only did that to help him pip Kent’s Darren Stevens to the MVP crown, he has also been nominated for tonight’s PCA player of the year award.
“We always talk about being top four in each competition and we got that; we got first, second and second,” he added.
“Getting to those finals and playing those extra games over other players has certainly helped me.
“I’m more about what the team does and what they need to get over the line. That brings me the most satisfaction, but this is an award that I can really take pleasure in.”
Warwickshire director of cricket Dougie Brown was “thrilled” to pin Patel down to a new deal as he begins his planning for next season.
“Jeetan has given a huge amount to Warwickshire and is already recognised as one of the most successful overseas players in the club’s history,” he said.
“Not only is he one of the leading spin bowlers in the world, but an outstanding fielder and a destructive batsman who can change the course of a match.
“His experience and cool head has helped the team triumph in many pressure situations and everyone at Warwickshire is thrilled to secure his return.”
Patel made his Bears debut in 2009 before briefly returning to the club two years later.
He was awarded his county cap in 2012 – the first of three full seasons at Edgbaston – and he now boasts 185 LV= County Championship wickets as well as 130 in the limited-overs formats.
“Warwickshire is a special club, with fantastic supporters, a talented group of cricketers and coaches, and a world-class venue in Edgbaston,” Patel said.
“We’ve achieved a lot this season and I’m proud to have contributed to our success.
“We’re in a great position to challenge for more trophies next season and I’m delighted to commit to the Bears for the foreseeable future.”