Harshal Patel wasn’t retained by RCB ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction despite leading the bowling charts in the previous IPL 2021. The franchise instead decided to keep Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj in the team.
Retention of players ahead of mega auction remains an incredibly tough task for Indian Premier League franchises. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) decided to keep hold of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj ahead of IPL 2022 auction, leaving out the likes of Harshal Patel, Devdutt Padikkal, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Harshal Patel Reveals Reason For Not Being Retained By RCB Was To Better Manage Their Purse
While there’s no denying that the team management had to make some tough calls, Harshal Patel has now revealed why exactly was he let go by the team. In a chat, the seamer, who recently made his international debut, said that the decision was taken by the team in order to better manage their purse, going into the auction.
“When I was not retained, Mike Hesson (RCB’s Director of Cricket) called me and said, that it was mainly purse management,” Harshal Patel said.
Speaking of his future ambitions, the Haryana-born medium-pacer confirmed that he would love to continue his career at RCB. When it comes to other franchises, Harshal Patel also said that he hasn’t been approached by anyone in particular.
“They would obviously love to have me back in the team and I too would obviously would 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 auction, I haven’t heard from any franchises yet,” he added.
Harshal Patel picked up as many as 32 wickets in 15 games, making him the highest Indian wicket-taker in a single season and joint-most with Dwayne Bravo. Harshal Patel was able to bag 32 wickets in just 15 IPL 2021 games at an average of 14.34, an economy of 8.14, and a strike rate of 10.56.
His best bowling figure in IPL 2021 was 5/27. Harshal Patel won the Gamechanger of the season, Most Valuable Player of the season, and Purple Cap award during his sensational run.
Harshal Patel Didn’t Get Star Struck But Admired Great Teammates Like Virat Kohli And AB de Villiers
Harshal Patel was also asked about the feeling of sharing the dressing room with greats like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers at RCB. Responding to the query, the 30-year-old said that he has never been star-struck by the presence of such players, even during the early days of his carer.
“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 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,” he answered.
Harshal Patel is expected to be on the radar of many franchises in the upcoming mega-auction. Having ended the 2021 season as the highest wicket-taker, the Haryana lad is likely to trigger a big bidding war.
Harshal Patel won player of the match for his figures of 2/25, besides giving away just 16 runs in his last two overs in the 17th and 19th and taking the wicket of the dangerous Glenn Phillips in that period as India beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I. He picked 4 wickets in 2 T20Is, both coming against New Zealand but he was ignored for the South African tour with India’s regular pacers making comebacks.