Perth: Swapnil Patil, just like Ajinkya Rahane, undertook many a long ride in Mumbai's overcrowded local trains as they represented Mulund Gymkhana some years ago, and even played age-group cricket from U-14 to U-22 for Mumbai together. While Rahane would travel from the eastern suburbs (Dombivali), Patil would head out from the western suburbs (Vasai). And while Rahane rose, Patil's career set in the west.


UAE's wicketkeeper-batsman Swapnil Patil during a training session at the Gabba on Tuesday. Pic/AFP 

Patil was among the Mumbai Ranji probables, not once but twice — 2000-2001 and 2004-2005. Sadly, he wasn't picked, and thereafter could not stay afloat for long in the sea of Mumbai's so-called cricketing talent. Thankfully, the dessert came calling. He moved to the United Arab Emirates to play cricket for a corporate outfit, excelled and is now rubbing shoulders with the world's best cricketers (Rahane included) at the World Cup.