'Though I Didn’t Have a Great Season Last Year, I Haven't Lost My Skills or Confidence': Punjab Kings' New Signee Harshal Patel

One of the interesting buys that has occurred in the IPL 2024 Auction so far is that of IPL stalwart Harshal Patel, who was surprisingly released by his former team RCB and was picked up for a lump amount of Rs 11.75 crore by the Punjab Kings.

Following news of his new signing, when asked about whether he had any preferences concerning whom he got to represent in the 2024 edition of the IPL by JioCinema, Harshal candidly stated, “There were no expectations in terms of where I wanted to go”.

Harshal, who had been a mainstay in the ranks of the Royal Challengers Bangalore since joining them in 2021, did not shy away from expressing his thoughts on being released by RCB this season.

“Honestly, the management would have felt, and even I did, that my last season was average. They may have felt that I didn’t justify that price tag. So, I was expecting that they would release me,” stated an honest Harshal.

“At the same time, in previous years before last, I had done really well for RCB, so I thought that would also probably retain me. But you know, the franchises and players’ thoughts may not match.”

The money has been flowing from all over in this year’s auction so far, with several big names grabbing huge rewards and major records being broken. So, when questioned about whether Patel was deserving of his hefty price tag, Harshal did not shy away from staking his claim.

“Every team needs an Indian fast bowler, especially those who can bowl in the death. Even though I didn’t have a great season last year, it didn’t mean I lost skills or lost confidence. I feel that if I am executing well, I can bowl in any situation,” said Harshal.

Punjab is new territory to Harshal, who has played only for the likes of RCB and DC so far in his IPL career. But, the prospect of getting to team up with the likes of world-class bowlers such as Kagiso Rabada and veteran batters such as Shikhar Dhawan is an opportunity he cannot wait to relish.

“It feels really nice. A lot of these guys especially the fast bowlers, I really rate them very highly. With Kagiso Rabada, I have played for 2-3 years in Delhi and enjoy a great relationship with him. Obviously, with Shikhar bhai, I enjoy a great relationship. So, hopefully, we’ll play good cricket and overcome the title drought,” stated Harshal.