3 Reasons why India should keep Harshal Patel

India, having crashed out of the Asia Cup 2022 in an embarrassing fashion, was ready to welcome Jasprit Bumrah into the team and go into the T20 World Cup with an assured bowling lineup.

Bumrah’s injury situation however has brought upon a massive dark cloud on the plans and the management is scrambling to get a competent bowling line-up ready for the mega cricket event. 

While there are choices aplenty, Harshal Patel is one such bowler who could prove to be the difference for the Men in Blue in Australia.

Let’s look at three reasons why Harshal Patel should travel to the T20 World Cup with India.

1. Variations

Harshal Patel took 32 wickets in 15 Indian T20 League matches in 2021 and showcased a bowling repertoire that many could only dream of. Although his 2022 performance could not recreate the previous year’s stats, 19 wicket haul in a season was still a great return and was among the best in the league. 

The right arm medium fast bowler has achieved this with a long list of variations in his bowling. Cutters, slower ones, and potent dipping yorkers are some of the weapons in Patel’s arsenal, with which the Gujarat bowler could exploit big grounds in Australia.

2. Wicket-taking abilities

As talked about in point one, Patel is known to take wickets. Irrespective of the surface, the 31-year-old finds a way to dismiss the batter. In the 22 matches so far, the medium pacer has taken 21 wickets for team India. His Indian T20 League record is even better at 97 wickets in 78 matches. 

In modern-day cricket where every bowler, irrespective of their pace and talent, gets hit for runs, taking wickets can be the main difference maker. Patel with his ability to break partnerships could turn out to be a deadly weapon in India’s armoury.

3. Batting abilities

Patel has made 230 runs in 178 balls in the Indian T20 League with 15 fours and 13 sixes, showing decent batting abilities lower down the order. The right-hand batter has a highest of 36 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) which proves he can hold his wicket from one end if needed. Harshal Patel- the batter, could come in handy for the Men in Blue when a swing-friendly pitch forces a batting collapse from the top in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.