Harshal Patel’s slow sinking full toss misled Rajasthan Royals (RR) hitter Riyan Parag, who was stranded LBW against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Guwahati on May 15. The 22-year-old went in with RR in severe trouble at 40/2 in the eighth over and scored a solid 48.
However, in an attempt to add meaningful runs in the penultimate over, Riyan Parag played too soon to Harshal’s characteristic dipping slower delivery, falling two short of a well-deserved half-century.
Here’s a video of Parag missing a full throw from Harshal and being dismissed:
Despite missing his half-century, the youngster’s knock propelled RR to a solid 144/9 in 20 overs. Parag has been in fantastic form this season, leading RR with 531 runs at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 152.58 across 13 games.
Meanwhile, Harshal had another outstanding performance for PBKS, ending with 2/28 in four overs.
While PBKS is playing for pride now that their playoff dreams have been dashed, RR is aiming for a top-two finish after sealing their playoff qualifying with the Delhi Capitals’ win against the Lucknow Super Giants last night.
“Difficult delivery to execute but once you start executing, it gives you a lot of confidence” – Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel delved into his renowned decelerated delivery technique during the innings break highlighting how it has significantly boosted his confidence when confronting the death bowlers.
With another outstanding demonstration the 33 year old has solidified his position as the proud holder of the esteemed Purple Cap having accumulated an impressive tally of 22 wickets in just 13 matches.
“It is a difficult delivery to execute but once you start executing, it gives you a lot of confidence. If the batter doesn’t pick it, then it increases your chance of getting a wicket. I’ve been bowling it for almost five years now. In the last year and a half, I wasn’t able to execute it consistently so I didn’t try it in the first half of the IPL.”
Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel added:
“It gives me so many options at the death, the batters are ready for that slower one and I can sneak in a yorker or a quick length ball. And when you get the batters out, they can’t get that acceleration at the death.”
Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel earlier won the Purple Cap in the IPL 2021, with an astounding 32 wickets while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, PBKS began their run chase on a sour note, tumbling to 37/3 after five overs.