DC vs RCB: Star pacer Harshal Patel returns to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) playing XI in the crucial IPL 2022 game against Delhi Capitals.
DC vs RCB: Harshal Patel is back for Bangalore as RCB take on Capitals (Courtesy BCCI)
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- Harshal Patel returns to RCB’s playing XI for crucial match vs DC
- Harshal Patel is an experienced X-factor player: Faf du Plessis
- Harshal’s absence was the biggest reason for RCB vs CSK defeat
Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis has confirmed that RCB has got a boost with star pacer Harshal Patel’s return to the playing XI for their crucial IPL 2022 match against Delhi Capitals.
“The pitch looks a little drier than expected. Chennai had two quality batsmen who were putting on a great partnership, not looking much beyond that. Harshal Patel is back which is great. He is a seasoned ex- The factor is the player. Akash Deep goes out of the team,” Faf said after losing the toss to Rishabh Pant on Saturday.
RCB had registered three consecutive wins, but their progress was halted by Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Harshal’s absence was the biggest reason for RCB’s defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings. The RCB pacer, who was away from the team due to a personal tragedy, has developed into a prolific T20 bowler who is equally effective at scoring runs and achieving success.
RCB captain Faf du Plessis admitted that his team missed Harshal when Chennai’s Shivam Dubey and Robin Uthappa formed a match-winning partnership for CSK.
“You see the value of Harshal, and what he has to offer. He has the ability to stop the game. We missed it. We lacked the variety we needed in our attack. Hopefully, we can find him again soon,” du Plessis had lamented after the loss to Chennai.
The Purple Cap winners of last season have rejoined the squad and are playing an important game for RCB against the Capitals. Harshal has been a standout performer in the RCB line-up for a few seasons, picking up wickets in critical conditions. With his variations, Patel picked up a slew of wickets in the final overs of the game, helping them win the Purple Cap in the 2021 season with 32 wickets.