Rakep Patel

August 2008 brought both of his international bows. He played his first T20I against Scotland and, within that same month, his first ODI against the Netherlands. In 2009 he withdrew from Kenya's Intercontinental Cup fixture against Canada following the death of his father, and the side's victory in that match was dedicated to his father's memory. Only a few months on, he struck 71 off a mere 29 balls in a 50-over contest against Uganda, an attacking knock that carried Kenya to victory.

His profile rose sharply in February 2010, when an innings of 92 against the Netherlands paved the way for a Kenyan win by six wickets. From that point he became a core member of the national squad.

Late in 2013, Collins Obuya was suspended for a short spell after a dispute with a team-mate, and Patel stepped in to lead Kenya during that period. When Obuya stepped down in December 2013, Cricket Kenya formally appointed Patel as captain.