IND vs SA: "He Has Been Absolutely Fantastic For The Franchise He Plays For": India Head Coach Rahul Dravid Supports Pacer Harshal Patel

Rahul Dravid, the head coach of Team India, has defended the pacer Harshal Patel, stating that he is mentally extremely tough and making good progress in his recovery from the injury.

Dravid acknowledged that everyone experiences off games, especially after returning from an injury, but he was pleased with how he played in the last two contests.

In the tournaments they participated in last month, some significant weaknesses in India’s death bowling were made clear. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel in the Asia Cup was significantly felt. India was eliminated because they gave up too many runs in the final two or three overs, particularly in the Super 4 matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The two were back together for the Australia series at home, although only Harshal could play all three matches due to an injury. It was anticipated that when these two right-arm quicks joined the team, India’s bowling would get back on track. But it was not at all the case.

Bumrah was forced to withdraw due to a back injury, while Harshal made a stronger comeback in Thiruvananthapuram and outperformed himself this time. He had figures of 2 for 26 in 4 overs, indicating that he was regaining his prior form.

“Harshal is a mentally strong cricketer”: Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid, India’s head coach, thinks the 31-year-old bowler will gradually find his rhythm because it is difficult to regain your rhythm right away after recovering from an injury. India will now play the Proteas on Sunday in Guwahati.

“Harshal is a mentally strong cricketer. If you look at his performances over the last two years, he has been fantastic for the franchise he plays for. Even in international cricket, he has bowled some really good spells. He’s preparing well, he’s practicing hard,” said Rahul Dravid at the press conference on the eve of the 2^nd T20I against South Africa.

“It can happen sometimes. He has come after an injury and it takes a little bit of time to get used to it. He bowled a phenomenal last over against Australia in Hyderabad. Even the last over in the last game against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram. He bowled fantastic last overs; 8 runs and 7 runs and he got the wicket of Tim David. In a tight game, it can make a big difference,” Rahul Dravid added.

The Men in Blue will be hoping that Harshal reaches his peak by the time India plays their first game in the T20 World Cup. Harshal was able to acquire some traction on a pitch that helped swing and seam in the first game against South Africa as well.

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Jasprit Bumrah Has A ‘Stress Reaction’ And Not A ‘Stress Fracture’- Reports