"I built a big house by carrying water" - Former India cricketer hilariously recalls 2003 World Cup

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel recently joked about how he carried drinks during the entire 2003 ODI World Cup. The stumper didn't get a chance to feature in the playing XI for a single game, with Rahul Dravid donning the keeping gloves for the showpiece event.

Parthiv hilariously remarked that serving drinks during the ICC event helped him build a big house. The cricketer-turned-commentator's remarks came during 'The Lavari Show' of 'The Comedy Factory'.

He said:

"Don't talk about water, I have carried water for 85 ODIs. I used to carry drinks when Rahul Dravid used to keep wickets. I just gave water during the entire 2003 World Cup, but I built a big house by carrying water at the time."

The Sourav Ganguly-led Indian side came close to winning the 2003 World Cup. Their campaign ended in heartbreak as they suffered a 125-run defeat to Australia in the final.

Parthiv also recalled his Test debut. Notably, he became the youngest wicketkeeper in Test cricket, making his debut when he was 17 years 153 days old.

Parthiv mentioned that he was sledged by former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff during the game. He, however, suggested that he didn't understand what was being said to him, as he studied in a Gujarati medium school. He added:

"I had an advantage. When you are 17 and have studied in a Gujarati medium school, how will you understand what Andre Flintoff is saying?"

Parthiv was dismissed for an eight-ball duck in the first innings of his debut Test at Nottingham. He played a gutsy knock in the subsequent essay, remaining unbeaten in 19 off 60 balls in the drawn match.

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"I look very calm, but I am not" - Parthiv Patel opens up on losing his little finger long before his India debut

Parthiv Patel also shared the story behind the missing little finger on his left hand. He stated that his finger was cut off when it got stuck in a door when he was just five years old.

He commented:

"I look very calm, but I am not. When I was five years old, my finger got stuck in a door, and it was cut off."

Parthiv announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on December 9, 2020. He currently serves as the batting coach of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).