IND vs NZ 2021: I Couldn't Have Asked For A Better Debut – Player Of The Match Harshal Patel

Debutant Harshal Patel won the ‘Player of the Match award in the second T20 International match of the three-match T20 International series between Rohit Sharma-led India National Cricket Team and Tim Southee-led New Zealand National Cricket Team at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, November 19.

India won the toss and invited New Zealand to bat first and the dew started playing a big role in the first innings itself. Kiwi openers Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell started very well adding 48 runs. Meanwhile, after losing wickets at regular intervals New Zealand were able to post 153 runs on the board at the loss of 6 wickets.

ICC T20 World Cup 2021 Schedule | T20 World Cup 2021 Live Streaming | T20 World Cup 2021 Live Score | T20 World Cup 2021 Points Table | ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 | WTC Updated Points Table

Chasing the target captain Rohit Sharma and his deputy KL Rahul were batting amazingly and they added over 100 runs for the team. In the end, Rishabh Pant finished off the match in style by smashing back-to-back sixes off James Neesham, helping India win the game by 7 wickets.

The Progress Is Gradual And Slow, For Someone Like Me Who Is Not Exceptionally Talented – Harshal Patel

Debutant Harshal performed excellently in the match and was able to bag 2 crucial wickets for India in his 4 overs quota and he gave away only 25 runs. He was also the most economical pacer for India in the match. During the post-match presentation Harshal said:

“The match did run through. When you are in the process you just get engrossed. It will sink in and it has been a great game. I couldn’t have asked for a better debut.”

Harshal Patel feels that he is not an exceptionally talented cricketer and his progress is gradual and slow. He said:

“The progress is gradual and slow. For someone like me who is not exceptionally talented, I had to build my game from the ground up. I made mistakes and then found things that I can and cannot do well.”

IPL 2022 Auction | IPL 2022 Teams | IPL News and Updates | IPL  2022 Schedule | ICC Teams  Rankings | ICC Players Rankings

Harshal said that he is having a great journey in cricket so far and it has taught him several life lessons. He asserted:

“It has been a great journey and has taught me many lessons which will hold me in good stead even after cricket. I feel you don’t need too many variations. You just need to know what works for you and need to package it well.”

Harshal Patel signed off by saying that he wants to improve his yorker deliveries and he wants to showcase his skills on a big platform and just wants to enjoy the game. He stated:

“I couldn’t bowl those yorkers and loopy slower ones in these conditions. The yorker is a delivery I would like to use and get better at. I have seen myself fall into shiny things so many times. It is another platform for me to come, perform and show my skills. Just want to do that and enjoy whatever comes my way.

Also Read: IND vs NZ 2021: Watch – James Neesham Breaks Toe-End Of His Bat While Trying To Play A Big Shot