Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel

Role: Bowler

Batting Style: Right Handed Bat

Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium

Country: India

Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Player profile for Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel is an Indian cricketer known for his right-arm medium-fast bowling, and his versatile batting abilities. He is renowned for his skill in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he became a standout player, particularly for his slower balls and variations in pace. Over the years, he has gained recognition both in domestic cricket and on the international stage.

Early Life and Education:

Harshal Patel was born on November 23, 1990, in Sanand, Gujarat, India. He pursued his higher education at H. A. College of Commerce in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where he completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Harshal developed an interest in cricket from a young age and received coaching from Tarak Trivedi, who was instrumental in shaping his cricketing skills. His family once considered moving to the United States, but Harshal’s passion for cricket kept him in India, where he continued to hone his skills under the guidance of his coach.

Domestic Career:

Harshal started his domestic career by representing Gujarat, but later moved to Haryana in search of better opportunities. His move to Haryana proved fruitful, as he went on to break records in domestic cricket.

  • 2015-16 Ranji Trophy: Harshal set a significant record in the Ranji Trophy 2015-16 season by taking 52 wickets in nine matches, which helped him break the longstanding record for the most wickets in a season for Haryana, previously held by Rajinder Goel. His exceptional performance that season gained widespread attention.
  • Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: In the same season, Harshal impressed with his all-around abilities. He scored 374 runs and took 19 wickets, showcasing his versatility as both a bowler and a batsman. This performance highlighted his potential as a valuable asset in various formats of the game.

IPL Career:

Harshal Patel’s IPL journey began in 2011 when he was signed by Mumbai Indians, although he didn’t get much opportunity to play in his initial years. However, it was his time with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) that brought him into the limelight.

  • RCB and IPL Success: Harshal joined RCB in 2012, and over time, he became a key player for the team. His performance peaked in the 2021 IPL season, where he equaled the record for the most wickets in a single season, taking 32 wickets. He was especially known for his ability to bowl effective slower balls, including the dipping variety, which proved to be difficult for batsmen to handle.
  • 2022 IPL Auction: His remarkable performance in 2021 led to an increase in his market value, and in the 2022 IPL auction, RCB secured him for a whopping ₹10.75 crore. This was a significant rise from his previous earnings and reflected his growing value in the IPL.

International Career:

Harshal Patel’s stellar performances in domestic cricket and the IPL led to his inclusion in the Indian national team.

  • T20I Debut: Harshal made his debut for India in a T20 International (T20I) match against New Zealand on November 19, 2021, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. His selection marked a significant milestone in his career, as he had been a consistent performer in T20 cricket for RCB and was now given the chance to represent his country at the international level.

Playing Style:

Harshal Patel is known for his right-arm medium-fast bowling and his ability to bowl a range of deliveries, including slower balls, cutters, and yorkers. He is a bowler who can adapt to different conditions, making him a crucial asset in T20 cricket. His ability to vary his pace, especially in the death overs, has been his key strength in the IPL, where he has consistently troubled batsmen with his variations.

In addition to his bowling, Harshal is a capable lower-order batsman, making him a valuable all-rounder. His batting ability further complements his role as a bowler, adding depth to the team’s lineup.

Personal Life:

Harshal Patel is married to Devarshi Joshi, a fashion designer based in the United States. The couple has a son. Harshal’s family has been supportive of his cricketing career, with his father, Vikram Patel, working at Prime Flight Aviation in the U.S., and his mother, Darshna Patel, employed at Dunkin’ Donuts. Harshal also has a brother, Tapan Patel, who resides in the U.S.

Recent Developments:

  • 2024 IPL Season: Harshal continued to be an important player for RCB in the 2024 IPL season. His experience and ability to handle pressure situations made him a key figure in the team’s bowling attack.
  • Consistent Performance: Harshal’s performances in the IPL have solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable death bowlers in T20 cricket. His ability to pick up wickets and restrict runs in the final overs has made him one of the top bowlers in the league.

Conclusion:

Harshal Patel’s rise in Indian cricket, from a domestic standout to an IPL star, showcases his hard work, adaptability, and consistent performances. His expertise in bowling variations, particularly the slower balls, has earned him recognition across formats. With his inclusion in the Indian national team and his continued success in the IPL, Harshal’s cricketing journey is one to watch as he continues to contribute to Indian cricket on both domestic and international stages.