In IPL 2021, Gautam Gambhir has named Harshal Patel of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as his ‘Player of the Tournament.’ Patel’s grit and ability to put his hand up and produce in the most difficult of scenarios throughout the season earned praise from the former opener.
Gambhir made the remark during a conversation with ESPNcricinfo following RCB’s Eliminator loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Sharjah. Harshal Patel was among the wicket-takers once again, taking two key wickets. With this haul, he now has 32 wickets for the season, equaling DJ Bravo’s record for most wickets in an IPL season.
“Look at Harshal Patel today; he bowled the fifth over which was probably the toughest after Garton went for 15-20 in the fourth over. Thus, He bowled the fifth over and got the wicket. He bowled in the death and got wickets. So he’s done probably the toughest thing that RCB was expecting him to do, and he came out with flying colors. Irrespective of how many runs and wickets players will get, he’s the player of the tournament for me already.” Gambhir said
Harshal Patel, despite his domineering performances, will not be in the final, according to Gautam Gambhir. He also commended the 30-year-old for practically single-handedly carrying the RCB’s death bowling responsibility.
Devdutt Padikkal
If Devdutt Padikkal had not lost a difficult chance off his bowling in the 16th over, Harshal Patel would have become the outright leader for most wickets in an IPL season. Patel, on the other hand, still holds the marks for most league wickets (30) and most wickets by an uncapped bowler in an IPL season. He’ll very certainly keep his Purple Cap as well.
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