Since I can't bowl as fast as Umran Malik, I have to keep developing my skills: Harshal Patel

Indian pacer Harshal Patel was excellent in the recently-concluded third T20I against South Africa as he delivered a dream spell. The right-arm pacer scalped a total of four wickets and completely bamboozled the visitors. He was quite economical as he gave away only 25 runs in 3.1 overs. Riding on his brilliance, India recorded a 48-run triumph in a must-win game.

Harshal had made his international debut after the T20 World Cup last year and more than six months into the international arena, the 31-year-old has scalped a total of 17 wickets in just 11 matches at an average of 19.52. The right-arm pacer has now opened up on his bowling abilities and emphasized the fact that he needs to keep learning new skills as bowling at great pace is not is forte.

As a bowler, my job is to stay one step ahead of the batters: Harshal Patel

“To be honest, people have been trying to anticipate what I am bowling for the last two years (in IPL). With every bowler the longer they play, the opposition will realize what the bowler’s strengths and patterns are. As a bowler, my job is to stay one step ahead of them. At the end of the day, you can have 15 plans but on a particular day in a pressure situation, if you don’t go out and execute with confidence, everything doesn’t fall in place,” Harshal was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

I can’t worry about pace because I can’t bowl fast as Umran Malik. I have to develop skills to render myself effective at the international level. I have never been an express fast bowler though on a good day I can go near 140 kmph. My focus has always been to develop skills around my bowling and whatever limitations and advantages I have in my bowling,” he added.

After having a good outing in the third T20I, the right-arm pacer will look to emulate his performance in the fourth T20I to be played at Rajkot on June 17 (Friday. The final match of the series will take place on June 19 (Sunday) in Bengaluru. South Africa are still leading the five-match affair 2-1.