Former India and Gujarat wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel on Thursday (December 10) joined five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) as a talent scout. Parthiv had announced his retirement from all forms of cricket a day earlier.

The 35-year-old featured in 25 Tests, 38 ODIs and 2 T20Is for India, and led Gujarat to the title in Ranji Trophy 2016/17. In his 18-year professional career, Parthiv scored 20,712 runs, took 788 catches and affected 175 stumpings across the three formats.

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"Parthiv brings a vast domestic and international cricketing experience spanning over two decades, along with an understanding of the fast-paced IPL competition," MI said in a statement.

MI owner Akash Ambani said that he was delighted to have Parthiv joining the franchise. "We had the opportunity to pick his cricketing brain during his playing days at Mumbai Indians. I am very confident of his contribution to further enhance our scouting system with the depth of cricketing knowledge he possesses."

"Parthiv understands our ideology, the DNA of Mumbai Indians and what we are trying to create at MI," said Ambani.

Parthiv said that he was thankful for the opportunity that was presented to him.

"I had enjoyed my cricket playing for Mumbai Indians, those momentous three years with the champion sides remain etched in my memory. It's time now to turn a new chapter in my life. I am excited, confident and thankful to the Mumbai Indians management for the opportunity presented to me," said Parthiv.

Parthiv was part of the IPL winning sides in 2015 and 2017. He will now work closely with the coaching staff and scouts' group. His last IPL season was the just concluded 13th edition with Royal Challengers Bangalore in UAE, where he did not get a game.

(With PTI inputs)