Harshal Patel Reveals One Of The Biggest Secrets About Virat Kohli, Says 'I've Been Observing Him Silently'
Published - 04 Feb 2022, 04:26 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:04 AM
![Virat Kohli and Harshal Patel](https://static.cricketaddictor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ez0Nk3GUUAEtD2H.jpg?q=80)
Indian medium-pacer, Harshal Patel has revealed one of the greatest unheard conversations with former RCB skipper Virat Kohli when he was picked by the franchise in IPL 2021 auction. it is notable that Harshal Patel had a historic season in IPL 2021 as he became the bowler with the most wickets in a single IPL edition picking up 32 wickets in the UAE.
RCB have been among one of the most star-studded teams in the history of the Indian Premier League but unfortunately, they haven’t been able to win a single edition of the tournament so far. The most notable names that have been a part of the RCB squad over the years include Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, Dale Steyn and many others.
![IPL 2021, Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)](https://static.cricketaddictor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/1a09a2ec-kohli-best.jpg)
Harshal Patel Speaks Up On An Unhead Conversation With Virat Kohli
Virat had been leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore as a full-time captain since the 2013 season of the tournament. However, before the start of the tournament in 2021, Virat made it clear that it will be his last season as the captain of the side. RCB did well in IPL 2021 and once again, managed to reach the knockout stage wherein, they were eliminated by Kolkata Knight Riders.
![Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel](https://static.cricketaddictor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Chahal-and-Harshal.jpg)
One of the pillars of the success of RCB’s campaign was Harshal Patel, the medium pacer. Speaking ahead of the IPL 2022 auction, Harshal disclosed, “I looked at it as a great opportunity. Every time something like this happens, there’s uncertainty. You can hope for the best and see how you can contribute best. The moment I was traded, Virat messaged me saying, “You’re going to play all the games.” That gave me a lot of confidence – that here’s a captain who is giving you that assurance. I had enough confidence that if I got opportunities, I’d make the most of it,”
Harshal further went on to say that he has been silently observing Virat Kohli and the other greats in the RCB dressing room.
“I’ve been a silent observer of them. I don’t believe in asking a lot of questions, just seeing them closely, what their routines are, what their body language is under pressure, how they carry themselves when they do well, how they carry themselves when they don’t do well. These are the things I learnt from my first big stint with RCB,” Harshal told ESPNCricinfo.