I didn’t justify the price tag, expected RCB to release me: Harshal Patel

Pacer Harshal Patel, who was sold to Punjab Kings for INR 11.75 crore, spoke to JioCinema experts during the IPL 2024 Player Auction on Tuesday. Harshal represented Royal Challengers Bangalore but did not have the best of seasons in 2023, picking 13 scalps in 14 matches at an economy over nine. The pacer, signed for INR 10.75 crore by the RCB, was released ahead of the player auction but the Kings showed trust in him, securing his servcies ahead of the upcoming edition of the tournament. 

Excerpts:

On his team preference

There were no expectations in terms of where I wanted to go.

On whether he was surprised when RCB released him this year

Honestly, the management would have felt, and even I did, that my last season was average. They may have felt that I didn’t justify that price tag. So, I was expecting that they would release me. At the same time, in previous years before last, I had done really well for RCB, so I thought that would also probably retain me. But you know, the franchises and players’ thoughts may not match.

On whether the price tag is justified

Every team needs an Indian fast bowler, especially those who can bowl in the death. Even though I didn’t have a great season last year, it didn’t mean I lost skills or lost confidence. I feel that if I am executing well, I can bowl in any situation.

On having played with a lot of the Punjab players previously

It feels really nice. A lot of these guys especially the fast bowlers, I really rate them very highly. With Kagiso Rabada, I have played for 2-3 years in Delhi and enjoy a great relationship with him. Obviously, with Shikhar bhai, I enjoy a great relationship. So, hopefully, we’ll play good cricket and overcome the title drought.