Worked on death bowling for long period: Harshal Patel

Having played only a handful of games in the last three editions of the Indian Premier League, Harshal Patel made an impactful return for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening clash against Mumbai Indians. Realising that the wicket was slightly on the slower side, he used the slower balls and yorkers to great effect, returning with impeccable figures of 5-27. Prior to the season, he was informed that he would be entrusted with the duty to bowl at the death overs. He reposed the faith shown in him, conceding only 13 runs and claiming 5 wickets in the last three overs. 

Harshal Patel considers bowling at the death overs, a privileged position to be in. It is one aspect of the game where he has really tried to pull his socks up. He is also aware that things might go the other way at times. Such is the game of cricket. A game of fine margins.

“It is one of those aspects of the game where you are in a position to win the game for your team. It is a privileged position to be in. It can go the other way around as well at times — it can dent your confidence — but I look at it as a privilege. Death bowling is something I've worked on for a long period of time, and I am confident enough now to take all that practice into the game,” he said at a media interaction.

The Haryana pacer was traded to RCB from Delhi Capitals, earlier this year. A trade that has opened up a plethora of opportunities for him. “I have more opportunities with RCB. I am being put into difficult match situations, and thus have more opportunity to showcase my skills. The trade is a welcome decision because I knew that with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje in the DC team, I wasn't going to get an opportunity,” he added. 

While he shone on his return for RCB, there was another debutant who was equally impressive with the ball. The 30-year-old heaped praises on Kyle Jamieson, saying that his consistency in hitting the right areas is what separates him from the rest. The Kiwi pacer was exceptional with the ball, conceding only 27 runs from his full quota of four overs. 

“The work he gets on the ball, and obviously the areas that he hits, he is very very consistent. And any batsman would agree to this, anybody who is 6’8’ and consistently bowls on that corridor of uncertainty with the new ball, and hits the length in the death overs as well is difficult to be put away,” Harshal stated.