India and Punjab Kings (PBKS) seamer Harshal Patel has been making waves in the ongoing IPL 2024 ever since he dismissed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni on a first-ball duck in the IPL 2024 ongoing. He was impressive with the ball in the tournament.
With 17 wickets in 11 matches for the Punjab Kings (PBKS), Patel is currently ranked as the second highest wicket-taker in the ongoing IPL 2024, only behind India and Mumbai Indians ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who has 18 wickets to his name in 12 games.
As Patel prepares for a crucial IPL 2024 match against his former franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 9, the seamer reflected on his performance, his admiration for Bumrah as a death bowler and his dedication to dominating the bowling art. New Yorkers.
Harshal Patel aims to emulate Jasprit Bumrah’s approach
Despite his impressive wicket-taking abilities, Patel admitted concerns about his economy rate, which is more than nine runs per over. Addressing this challenge, the Indian bowler emphasized the importance of striking a balance between containing runs and taking wickets. Patel expressed his commitment to improve in this aspect to effectively contribute to the success of his team.
Harshal Patel was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying: “I have sort of figured out what I need to do to be able to stop batsmen when I need to, and there are a lot of skill aspects involved in that too. I’ve been working on those skills constantly since before the season.”
Harshal admitted that he is yet to live up to expectations but aims to emulate Bumrah’s approach of maintaining economy while taking wickets in the ongoing IPL 2024. He further noted, “I haven’t been able to do it consistently in the game, but I am on the right track and when it all comes together, I want to be as good as someone like Jasprit Bumrah, because we are still talking about bowlers going nine. or ten once and throughout this IPL, there has been a quick one. Bumrah bowler who bowls less than six most of the time. “I challenge myself to be as good as him.”
Harshal Patel opens up about his execution
Furthermore, Harshal Patel emphasized the importance of executing his deliveries accurately as he believes that when he does so effectively, batsmen find it difficult to make contact with his deliveries. He also has confidence in his execution, allowing him to consistently throw six pitches in a row without getting hit.
Harshal also admitted that occasionally batsmen can manage to connect with a pitch, but they usually struggle beyond that. He is ready to bowl six slower balls consecutively if you let him. Despite being tagged as a ‘pacer who bowls no spin’, Harshal remains unfazed as he only concentrates on the execution and effectiveness of his bowling strategy.
Notably, PBKS is currently at 8th place in the IPL 2024 points table with 8 points from 11 games so far.