'KL Rahul should have been the Player of the Match' - Harshal Patel after dream debut

Harshal Patel enjoyed a dream international debut as he bowled a stellar spell in the second T20I against New Zealand and helped India win the match by seven wickets at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

In his quota of four overs, Patel conceded just 25 runs and also picked up a couple of crucial wickets in the process. The same earned him a Player-of-the-Match award. Following the conclusion of the game, Patel had an interaction with veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the latter’s fun interview segment ‘Chahal TV.’

I couldn’t have asked for a better debut: Harshal Patel

Admitting that he couldn’t have asked for a better debut, Patel said the grinding in domestic cricket over the years helped him shine in the international arena. “It took some time (speaking of Team India debut) but I don’t have any regret about it. I am very happy that I could implement the things I learnt in domestic cricket over the years. I couldn’t have asked for a better debut,” said the pacer to Chahal.

Patel was pretty happy by winning the Player-of-the-Match award on debut. He, however, felt Indian opener KL Rahul should have received the honour for scoring 65 off 49 deliveries on a difficult batting deck. “I didn’t expect the Player-of the-Match award as honestly, I felt KL (Rahul) should have been awarded but am not complaining. The way he batted on a difficult pitch, it was an exceptional knock.

Speaking of the proceedings of the contest, the coin landed in India’s favour and skipper Rohit Sharma unsurprisingly opted to field. While many from New Zealand’s top order for off to a brilliant start, none of them could play an innings of substance. As mentioned above, Harshal was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 2/25 in his maiden international apperance. His efforts helped the home team restrict the Kiwis to 153/6.

India’s chase couldn’t have gone smoother as openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul put up a batting exhibition. Both dashers smashed half-centuries and knocked Kiwis out of the contest. India eventually crossed the line in 17.2 overs, winning the contest by seven wickets. India are now 2-0 up in the three-match series with the final clash taking place in Kolkata on Sunday (November 21)