His international career came to a premature end because of his suspect technique against genuine pace.
At the time of his retirement, he held the Ranji Trophy records (since bettered) for most runs and hundreds.
His talent first became evident as a student in Bishop Cotton Boys School, Bangalore, and he represented his country in a junior team that traveled to Australia.
A Jagmohan Dalmiya (Ex President of BCCI) supporter, Patel was appointed the Director of the National Cricket Academy in India until he was replaced in 2005 by another ex-Test cricketer, Shivlal Yadav, the current director of the NCA.
Brijesh Patel runs a private cricket coaching academy in Bangalore called B.P.C.A.