Harshal Patel, the Indian pacer will be returning to the Indian team after a rib injury. Ahead of India’s first match vs Australia in Mohali, the pacer talks about the backing he has received from the team management.

Indian pacer Harshal Patel is set to return to India after an injury layoff. Harshal Patel, who was not able to be a part of India’s Asia Cup squad is set to partner with Jasprit Bumrah in India’s preparatory campaign for the 2022 T20I World Cup, against defending champions Australia, who won their maiden T20I World Cup title in 2021.

Harshal Patel Reckons Rahul Dravid And Rohit Sharma Have Been Supportive Which Lifted Pressure Off The Pacer

Harshal Patel, speaking ahead of the game has talked about players’ insecurities on return and how thankful he is for receiving full backing from his captain and coach. India is set to take on Australia in the first T20I match in Mohali on 20 September, and Harshal Patel is likely to feature in the game.

“They (India coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma) have been nothing but supportive. It does take a bit of pressure off you. Because sometimes people make foolish decisions when they’re returning to play.

“They’re either trying to do too much or trying to push too hard because they feel that their place is in danger or for whatever reason,” the fast bowler said ahead of the match.

India would be hoping to unleash their full strength against Australia, a combination that they have not been able to play due to multiple injuries in the squad.

Harshal Patel Reckons He Have To Perform Again After Comeback To Cement His Place In Indian Team

Going into the World Cup, the goal would be to iron out the plans and hope to shake off the group stage exit memories from the 2021 edition of the tournament.

“But if you know for a fact that the team management will remember what you’ve done prior to getting injured, and those performances and contributions are not forgotten, then that gives you a sense of calm or comfort that once you go back into the team-obviously you will have to perform again and again and that goes for every single cricketer-you know that you will hold that place in the team,” he further added.

The 31-year-old made his international debut last year after winning the Purple Cap in IPL 2021 while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has claimed 23 wickets in only 17 T20Is so far in his career which also includes a four-for. Harshal Patel has made a big name for himself in the last couple of years as a death-over specialist.

Harshal Patel picked up as many as 32 wickets in 15 IPL 2021 games, making him the highest Indian wicket-taker in a single season and joint-most with Dwayne Bravo.

Harshal Patel was able to bag 32 wickets in just 15 IPL 2021 games at an average of 14.34, an economy of 8.14, and a strike rate of 10.56.