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Jeetan Patel

Patel
Patel Image: Wikimedia Commons. Steelback at English Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0

Overview

Jeetan Shashi Patel (born 7 May 1980) is a former New Zealand international cricketer who played for the national side in all three formats between 2005 and 2013. A right-arm off-spin bowler, he represented Wellington in New Zealand domestic cricket and Warwickshire in English county cricket. After stepping away from international cricket in 2014, he made a brief return in 2016 before retiring from the international game on 21 June 2017. He currently serves as the spin bowling coach for the England cricket team.

Key facts

Full name Jeetan Shashi Patel
Born 7 May 1980
Bowling style Right-arm off spin
National side New Zealand (2005–2013, 2016–2017)
Domestic teams Wellington, Warwickshire
Current role Spin bowling coach, England cricket team
International retirement 21 June 2017

Background

Patel established himself as a specialist off-spinner on the New Zealand domestic circuit with Wellington before progressing to international honours. His later career was defined by a long and successful association with Warwickshire County Cricket Club in England, where he developed into one of the most consistent performers in the county game.

Career

International career

Patel made his debut for New Zealand in 2005 and went on to feature in Test, One Day International and Twenty20 International cricket through to 2013. In 2014 he made himself unavailable for international selection, choosing instead to focus on his county commitments with Warwickshire.

In 2016 he was unexpectedly recalled to the New Zealand squad as a replacement for the injured Mark Craig during the tour of India. On this return assignment he was noted for displaying a markedly improved batting technique alongside his bowling. He announced his retirement from international cricket on 21 June 2017.

County career and honours

At Warwickshire, Patel was a leading figure in the county game. He was twice named the Most Valuable Player by the Professional Cricketers' Association in England. In 2015, Wisden Cricketers' Almanack named him one of its five Cricketers of the Year, one of the sport's most prestigious annual honours.

Coaching

Following his playing career, Patel transitioned into coaching and was appointed spin bowling coach for the England cricket team, a role in which he continues to work with English spinners at the international level.

Significance

Patel's career is notable for the way it bridged the New Zealand and English cricketing systems. His sustained success in county cricket, recognised through PCA honours and the Wisden accolade, established him as one of the leading off-spinners in the English domestic game during his playing years, and his subsequent coaching appointment with England underlines the depth of expertise he developed in spin bowling.

References