Picture Credit: Twitter
The 2022 T20 World Cup is just a few months away and teams have already started preparing in hindsight for the tournament. India is eyeing a better show this time around after a shabby performance in the last edition. There are a few changes to the squad this time with the head coach and captain changed. Also, with the World Cup venue shifted to Australia, teams have focused on strengthening their pace battery.
India is also trying to build a formidable attack around the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Harshal Patel is also a crucial part of India’s T20 World Cup plan. The pacer has fast-tracked his place in the national squad after impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The right-arm quick has also been performing consistently for India in the last few months.
For the same reason, former India captain and opener Sunil Gavaskar believes Patel can be India’s ‘Trump Card’ at the event. While talking about Patel’s role in the playing XI, Sunil Gavaskar reckoned that Patel can be the game-changer for India with his ability to take wickets. The former skipper also thinks that Patel can be handy in the powerplays considering his ability to change pace at will.
“He will be one of the trumps cards because you have Bhuvneshwar, Shami, and Bumrah as well. Brilliant for a skipper to have someone like him to depend on, He can come in and bowl maybe even in the powerplay where people are now going with a change of pace. So yes, he certainly should be part of the group,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.
He is a big asset to the team: Graeme Smith
Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith also looked mighty impressed with the Indian pacer and called him a big asset for the team. Smith lauded Patel for his bowling in death overs against South Africa and reckoned Patel can be a great all-round bowler.
“He has been excellent. Nobody had skills in the death overs with the slower balls…but I feel from game 3 he found his right length and picked up wickets and kept the pressure on the South Africans,” said Smith.
“He has all the skills as an all-rounder bowler and is a big asset to the team and handles pressure very well and is a clear thinker under pressure,” Smith added.