Indian cricketer Harshal Patel, who made his debut for team India in the 2nd T20I match against New Zealand, the cricketer was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match award’ for his terrific performance at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, November 19.
Ahead of the 2nd T20I match, Harshal Patel, who impressed one and all with his performances in the Indian Premier League, received his maiden India cap from the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. Harshal Patel turned out to be the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2021. Harshal picked 32 wickets in 15 games, equaling the record of Dwayne Bravo for the highest wicket-taker in a single IPL season.
On November 19, BCCI took it to their official Twitter to congratulate the medium-pacer on his day: “Congratulations to @HarshalPatel23 who is set to make his #TeamIndia debut. @Paytm #INDvNZ.”
Here, check out the Tweet:
? ? Congratulations to @HarshalPatel23 who is set to make his #TeamIndia debut. ? ?@Paytm #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/n9IIPXFJQ7
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 19, 2021
In the 2nd T20I match against New Zealand, Harshal performed excellently in the match and was able to bag 2 crucial wickets for India in his 4 overs quota. During his spell, he only gave away 25 runs. He was also the most economical pacer for India in the match.
Later after the match, during the post-match presentation, Harshal talked about his performance in the game and he expressed how he couldn’t have asked for a better start in the performance. He 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.”
He added:
“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.”
Harshal also expressed that how he is now having a great journey in cricket so far and it has taught him several life lessons. He said:
“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 concluded by saying that he wants to improve his yorker deliveries and he just wants to enjoy the game and showcase his skills on the big platform. He said:
“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.”
