I Credit Gautam Gambhir for Pushing the Team Management to Let Me Bat Up the Order: Harshal Patel

The way Harshal Patel had performed for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last few seasons of IPL, it was very much expected that the all-rounder would not get too many chances for Delhi Daredevils this year.

And as expected, he failed to break into the playing eleven at the start of the tournament. But unlike the previous seasons, Harshal did not take much time in proving his worth when given a chance this year.

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The all-rounder played just five games this season but managed to make a mark with both bat and ball. Harshal ended the season with 60 runs which came at a strike-rate of nearly 160 and seven wickets.

The four sixes off one Dwayne Bravo over was one of the highlights of his season this year when he smacked 36 off just 16 balls against eventual winners, Chennai Super Kings.

The IPL is all done and dusted now, and the all-rounder will now be keen on taking his form in the domestic season.

In a recent interview, Harshal spoke on the differences between the team culture of Bangalore and Delhi, desire to represent India and much more.

“Well, that does often happen in a team. There’s always something different in another team that you play for. I have loved batting since my younger days, and I wanted to show the team management what I could do provided I get my opportunities. I have definitely grown as a batsman; I am glad it came off. And I was able to make it count. The team management’s faith in me paid off,” he told CricXtasy.

He further credited Gautam Gambhir for his promotion in the batting order.

“I have a huge respect for Gautam Gambhir. He was always somebody who was willing to fight it out on the wicket, no matter what the situation was. As a captain, he has been so successful with KKR and with DD, he always backed his players to the hilt. In fact, I credit him pushing the team management to let me bat up the order. He saw the batting potential in me and what I could do if I was sent up the order. What he did with Sunil Narine in KKR, he wanted to do it with me here,” he revealed.

Harshal further spoke on his experience of playing with a star-studded Royal Challengers side.

“Talking about RCB, it was full of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. Not many people are lucky to have such group of legends around. I have been fortunate enough to have played more than 30 games over the years with such great players. They inspire you a lot, back you and telling that you are good enough has been highly motivating,” he stated.

The 27-year old went on to say he is now eyeing a spot in the India A team which will lay the foundation for him to make it to the biggest stage.

“I am obviously eyeing to play for India A, as it is just a step away from international cricket. I am confident that the time will come and I am not away from playing at the highest level. Putting the hard work in the right direction and the results would follow. Pretty positive and confident about it. Once IPL finishes, everything is done, and you enter a completely new set-up of first-class cricket, so am looking to perform well and get noticed,” he said.