Spinner Ajaz Patel was welcomed home to cheers and flowers from his family when the Blackcaps arrived at Auckland Airport on Sunday following their test series win over Pakistan.
The 30-year-old became a cult hero on the tour of the UAE, making his test debut in the opener in Abu Dhabi, in which he was named man of the match with his five-wicket haul in the second innings. He also featured in the second and third tests.
His 13 wickets across the three tests helped the Blackcaps claim their first away test series win over Pakistan in 49 years, and their first in Asia since 2008.
- NZ selector Gavin Larsen heaps praise on 'magnificent' Blackcaps
- Williamson 'unquestionably' greatest NZ bastman ever - Styris
Originally from Mumbai, Patel also made his T20 debut on tour and was named in the ODI squad, but didn't feature.
Patel admitted he' still coming to terms with what he has achieved in the last month, but that has only made him hungrier to represent New Zealand in more tests.
"I don't think it has sunk in yet in terms of the achievements and accolades that have come my way," he said.
"But I'm sure it will process over the next couple of days being with my family, but it is all special.
"I don't want to stop here. I want to keep playing for New Zealand take plenty more wickets and contribute to more test wins for New Zealand."
The Blackcaps now have six days to prepare for a two-test series against Sri Lanka with the first match starting on Saturday at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
Due to the New Zealand conditions, it is likely only one spinner will be selected in the match day XI, and regardless if he's picked or not, Patel is determined to help the team keep winning games.
"I'm just thinking about how I'm going to contribute to the team and what can I do to contribute to the team. I just focus on myself and control what I can control and look after it that way.
"I know I'm going to keep working hard on my game and one I get more experience I'll get more confident and then I can bring out a few more tricks."
Coach Gary Stead was tight-lipped for his spin bowler will be in the opening test. Right now he has Ish Sodhi, Patel and Will Somerville - who made his debut in the third test against Pakistan - at his disposal.
"It is great to have that competition. Mitch [Santner] and Todd [Astle] are both out with injury so they'll have to earn their way back," he said.
"They know from tour to tour that things change. The more competition we have, the better we'll be in the long run.
"We will have to pick one. It is hard, but that is a great thing to have."
Newshub.
