PBKS vs RCB: "I challenge myself to be as good as Jasprit Bumrah" - Harshal Patel shares his dream

India and Punjab Kings' (PBKS) seamer, Harshal Patel, has been making waves in the ongoing IPL 2024 ever since dismissing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni on a first-ball duck in the ongoing IPL 2024. Patel has so far been impressive with the ball in the tournament.

With 17 wickets from 11 matches for the Punjab Kings (PBKS), Patel is currently ranked as the second-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing IPL 2024, trailing only behind India and Mumbai Indians' ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who has 18 wickets to his name from 12 games.

As Patel gears up for a crucial IPL 2024 match against his former franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 9, the seamer reflected on his performance, his admiration for Bumrah as a death bowler, and his dedication to mastering the art of bowling for the Yorkers.

Harshal Patel aims to emulate Jasprit Bumrah's approach

Despite his impressive wicket-taking abilities, Patel admitted concerns about his economy rate, which stands at over nine runs per over. Addressing this challenge, the Indian bowler stressed the importance of striking a balance between containing runs and taking wickets. Patel expressed his commitment to improving in this aspect to contribute effectively to his team's success.

Harshal Patel was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo: “I have sort of figured out what I need to do to be able to shut batters down when I need to, and there's a lot of skill aspects involved in that as well. I've been working on those skills consistently from even before the season.”

Harshal admitted that he hasn't met expectations yet but aims to emulate Bumrah's approach of maintaining the economy while also taking wickets in the ongoing IPL 2024. He further noted, “I've not been able to consistently do it in the game, but I'm on the right path, and when it all comes together, I want to be as good as someone like Jasprit Bumrah, because we keep talking about bowlers going at nine or ten an over and throughout this IPL, there has been one fast bowler Bumrah who goes for less than six most of the time. I challenge myself to be as good as him.”

Harshal Patel opens up about his execution

Furthermore, Harshal Patel stressed the importance of executing his deliveries accurately, as he believes that when he delivers effectively, batters struggle to make contact with his deliveries. He also has confidence in his execution, which allows him to bowl six deliveries in a row without being hit consistently.

Harshal also admitted that occasionally batters may manage to connect with one delivery but typically struggle beyond that. He is ready to bowl six slower balls consecutively if it allows. Despite being labeled as a "pacer who bowls off-spin," Harshal remains unfazed, as he only focuses on execution and effectiveness in his bowling strategy.

Notably, PBKS is currently standing in the 8th spot in the IPL 2024 points table with 8 points from 11 games so far.