Harshal Patel: The Resurgent Purple Patel

Harshal Patel is once again proving to be a crafty and skillful bowler in this IPL. He was the highest wicket-taker in both the 2019 and 2021 IPLs, but he had a couple of quiet years after that, not taking many wickets and leaking runs.

However, he has made a strong comeback this year, showing that he still has the talent and ability to take wickets.

In a recent interview with ESPN Cricket Info, Patel said, “I still have the ability to make it very difficult for batsmen to score against me if I bowl my best.” And he has certainly shown that this season. With 17 wickets so far, he is the leading wicket-taker in the IPL. He is only behind Jasprit Bumrah, who is in second place.

Patel’s economy rate is a bit on the high side, at 9.75 runs per over. However, the good thing is that he is consistently taking wickets for his team, which is important in this high-scoring IPL.

Patel bowls in the death overs, when there is a greater chance of taking wickets, but there is also more responsibility. He is the most senior bowler for Punjab Kings, and it is a great thing to see him once again taking wickets consistently through his craft and skill.

He is a master of the slower ball, and he bowls according to his field. He has many reasons to be confident, and he showed why once again on Friday against Royal Challengers Bangalore when he took three wickets for just three runs in the last over.

Each of his wickets was taken in a different way, showcasing his skill. His dipping yorker, which is a great delivery that pitches at the batsman’s knees, is one of his new weapons.

It is not easy to hit, and even if it doesn’t take a wicket, it is unlikely to result in a big run because the batsman is slowed down by the pace and is not in the ‘hitting zone’.

It is great news for Punjab Kings that Harshal Patel is back in form and is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024. However, Kings have been knocked out of playoff race.