'I think I will be ready' - RCB pacer Harshal Patel hopeful of featuring in Eliminator

One of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s key bowlers Harshal Patel had to walk off the field in the previous game against Gujarat Titans after injuring his right hand and there were a lot of doubts over his participation in the playoffs if RCB does qualify. However, he has opened up on the injury situation and noted that he is likely to get ready in time for the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants on May 25 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

While fielding at short extra cover, Harshal had suffered a cut on his right hand and it had split the webbing which straightaway caused a lot of blood to be flown out. The pacer had to return to the dressing room to get the webbing stitched by the RCB physio and he did not come back into the field, having bowled just one over. RCB went on to win the game by eight wickets on the back of an excellent 73-run knock from Virat Kohli while Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis played handy knocks as well and kept RCB’s hopes alive in the tournament.

However, their progress into the playoffs depended on Mumbai Indians beating the Delhi Capitals and it indeed went on to happen. RCB will now be hoping to get their hands on the trophy for the first time by winning the knockout games from here on.

I split my webbing on the right hand: Harshal Patel

Meanwhile, Harshal explained the state of the injury on his right hand and noted about getting a couple of stitches removed in three to four days’ time. He added that he should be ready in time for the Eliminator which will be a great boost to the RCB franchise. Notably, the pacer has picked up 18 wickets so far in the tournament and has been impressive in the death overs.

“When I caught that ball on short extra cover, I split my webbing on the right hand. I got a couple of stitches which should come off in three to four days… I think I will be ready to be a part of it (Eliminator),” Patel told RCB as quoted by News18.