Harshal Patel, who played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in India Premier League season 2021 edition, finally opened up on his snub from the franchise despite bagging the coveted Purple Cup in the league.
Harshal Patel came into emergence with his magnificent bowling as he took 32 wickets in the IPL 2021 for RCB and remained the highest wicket-taker of the season. In fact, his tally of 32 wickets is joint highest (with CSK's Dwayne Bravo) for any bowler in any IPL season. His good show with the ball spurred RCB to the playoffs.
But despite proving his mettle, RCB did not retain the 31-year-old. This must have disappointed Harshal to the core as he now revealed the reason why RCB didn't consider him in the auction.
Harshal said that right after the IPL auction for 2022 season, Hesson called him and said that he was not rated by RCB due to purse management.
“When I was not retained, Mike Hesson called me and said it was due to purse management. He definitely wants me back in the team. I also want to play in that team again because RCB and 2021 have changed my life. However, as far as the auction is concerned, I have not heard of any franchise as of now," Harshal told Cricktracker.
Harshal’s bowling in the death overs in IPL was praised by everyone. He also showed skimpy by coming in the last overs and also took wickets. Though, he came to RCB through a trade from Delhi Capitals.
Regarding his death overs bowling, Harshal said, “Before the 2021 season, I had never bowled in the death overs in the IPL. So when RCB traded me to Delhi Capitals, they did their homework. They probably saw these traits in me that I can be a death overs bowler. They said, ‘We want you to take this responsibility and we will help you in this."
The Haryana's Ranji captain also talked about his experience playing with the likes of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli.
“It’s pretty normal to be honest. I don’t get star-struck. Even I remember my first year in IPL, I was never star-struck. I just admire them for what they bring onto the field, the kind of people they are, the level of skill they have and their ability to stand up in pressure situation and say: “I am going to bring the team out of this difficult situation.” That’s what I have learnt from those two guys.”
While Harshal’s stellar efforts couldn’t take RCB to the elusive title, it earned him a maiden Team India call-up. The pacer was selected for India’s three-match T20I series against New Zealand at home. After warming the benches in the opening clash, Patel got to play the next two games and he didn’t disappoint. The pacer returned with four wickets as India whitewashed the Kiwis 3-0.
