Harshal Vikram Patel is an Indian cricketer known for his impressive bowling skills and all-round abilities. Born on November 23, 1990, in Gujarat, India, he is a right-arm seamer with a big outswinger. Harshal’s passion for cricket led him to make the decision to stay in India with his family instead of moving to the USA.
At a young age, Harshal showcased his talent by taking 23 wickets at an impressive average of 11 in the 2008-09 Under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy. This performance earned him recognition and he made his List-A debut for Gujarat in the same season. Harshal also represented India in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, further establishing himself as a promising player. His performance caught the attention of the Mumbai Indians and he secured an IPL contract with the franchise.
Despite his early success, Harshal struggled to find a place in the Gujarat side and decided to move to Haryana. He made an immediate impact in his debut Ranji Trophy season in 2011-12, making headlines by taking eight-fors against Karnataka and Rajasthan in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively. This remarkable performance helped Haryana reach the final. Harshal finished the season with 28 wickets, proving his worth as a talented bowler.
In the 2012 edition of the IPL, Harshal made his debut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Delhi Daredevils. However, he was often seen as a back-up seamer rather than a first-choice option in the franchise set-up. He faced a setback in form but made a strong comeback in the 2015-16 season. With an impressive tally of 22 wickets in the Ranji Trophy and 13 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, including his maiden List A five-for, Harshal showed his determination and resilience.
Harshal’s breakthrough moment came in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season, where he picked up a staggering 52 wickets in just nine matches. This performance broke the 36-year-old record set by left-arm spinner Rajinder Goel for the most wickets in a season for Haryana. He also displayed his all-round abilities in the 50-over Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, taking 19 wickets with an economy rate of 7.04. Additionally, he scored 374 runs at an average of 31.16 and a strike rate of 165.48, showcasing his batting skills.
These outstanding performances caught the attention of the national selectors, leading to his debut in T20 Internationals against New Zealand in November 2020. In the IPL 2021, Harshal was traded to Royal Challengers Bangalore and had a breakthrough season, finishing with the joint-most wickets (32) in an IPL season alongside Dwayne Bravo. His ability to deliver dipping yorkers and different variations earned him praise from critics and fans alike.
In February 2021, Harshal was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a staggering INR 10.75 crore, which was 53.75 times his previous IPL salary. This huge contract reflects the recognition of his skills and impact in the game. Harshal’s journey from a promising young cricketer to a key player in international and domestic formats is a testament to his hard work, determination, and passion for cricket. As he continues to shine on the field, there is no doubt that Harshal Vikram Patel has a bright future ahead.
