Web-Image-Sports-Tiger-14s

Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

Harshal Patel was the biggest find for Royal Challenger Bangalore (RCB) in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. The right-arm quick scalped 32 wickets in the tournament and finished as the highest wicket-taker. This was also the joint-highest for any bowler in a single season. Patel joined Chennai Super Kings' Dwayne Bravo (2013) at the top of the elusive list. In spite of such an inspiring performance, Harshal Patel was not among the retentions made by the Karnataka-based franchise.

The three retentions made by RCB included former captain Virat Kohli, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj. Patel's missing name in the list came as a shock for everyone including the cricketer himself. However, in a recent interview, Harshal explained the reason behind such a decision from RCB and also hoped that he will get back with the team in the auctions,

Patel said that after the retentions were revealed, he received a call from RCB's Director of Cricket, Mike Hesson explaining the reason behind his omission. As stated by Patel, the reason was mainly purse management. “When I was not retained, Mike Hesson called me and said, that it was mainly purse management,” Harshal was quoted saying by Crictracker.

Also Read: IPL 2022: BCCI may move tournament out of India once again with worsening COVID-19 situation in country

They would love to have me back: Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel further talked about his plans for the IPL 2022 mega auctions and also revealed that he has not been contacted by any franchise yet. He, however, is hopeful that RCB will get him back in the auctions.

“They would obviously love to have me back in the team and I too would obviously love to go back and play for the team because RCB and this season (2021) changed my entire career and my entire life. However, in terms of the auction, I haven’t heard from any franchises yet,” Patel added.

The 31-year-old cricketer also talked about his experience with two of the best players, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. "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 situations and say: “I am going to bring the team out of this difficult situation.” That’s what I have learned from those two guys.

After a fabulous IPL 2022, Harshal Patel received a national call-up for the New Zealand series. Patel made his T20I debut in the second match against New Zealand where he took 2/25 and also won the Player of the Match award.