Harshal Patel – Rs 11.75 Crores
Harshal Patel emerged as the most expensive Indian player at the IPL 2024 auction, bought for a whopping Rs 11.75 crores by Punjab Kings. This made him the 4th most expensive overall buy in IPL 2024 after international superstars like Sam Curran, Cameron Green and Jofra Archer.
The 31-year old medium pacer has been one of the most consistent performers in IPL over the past few seasons. He was a key member of the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad, but will now ply his trade for Punjab Kings.
Let’s take a look at his IPL career stats and assess if he was worth the record price tag for an Indian player at the auction.
Harshal Patel’s IPL Career Overview:
IPL Debut: 2012
Skill: Right-arm medium pacer
Date of Birth: 23 November 1990
Total IPL Matches: 92
Wickets: 111
Harshal Patel has been a consistent wicket-taker in his IPL career spanning over a decade. Here is a detailed look at his bowling performance in each IPL season:
| IPL Season | Matches | Balls | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Best Figures | Average | Economy Rate | Strike Rate | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 92 | 1867 | 2672 | 111 | 5/27 | 24.07 | 8.59 | 16.82 | 2 | 1 |
| 2023 | 13 | 282 | 454 | 14 | 3/32 | 32.43 | 9.66 | 20.14 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 15 | 321 | 410 | 19 | 4/34 | 21.58 | 7.66 | 16.89 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 15 | 338 | 459 | 32 | 5/27 | 14.34 | 8.14 | 10.56 | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 | 5 | 90 | 134 | 3 | 2/34 | 44.66 | 8.93 | 30.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2 | 48 | 77 | 2 | 2/40 | 38.50 | 9.62 | 24.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 5 | 105 | 167 | 7 | 3/28 | 23.85 | 9.54 | 15.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 1 | 24 | 43 | 3 | 3/43 | 14.33 | 10.75 | 8.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 5 | 84 | 147 | 1 | 1/46 | 147.00 | 10.50 | 84.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 15 | 263 | 328 | 17 | 2/12 | 19.29 | 7.48 | 15.47 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 3 | 66 | 113 | 4 | 2/56 | 28.25 | 10.27 | 16.50 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 12 | 246 | 340 | 9 | 2/24 | 37.77 | 8.29 | 27.33 | 0 | 0 |
Why is Harshal Patel a Good Fit for Punjab Kings?
There are a few factors that make Harshal Patel an excellent addition to the Punjab Kings squad:
- Proven Wicket-Taker: Harshal has an outstanding IPL record, picking up 111 wickets in 91 matches at an average of 24.07. He won the Purple Cap for most wickets in IPL 2021.
- Death Bowling Expertise: Harshal concedes just 8.59 runs per over in his career, exemplary for a death overs specialist. He has plenty of variations to outfox batters.
- Lower Order Hitter: Harshal has a career strike rate of 128 in IPL, capable of some late fireworks with the bat.
- Experience: At 31, Harshal brings a wealth of experience to guide young PBKS bowlers.
- Fills Gaps in Squad: Punjab lacked depth in their Indian fast bowling contingent, Harshal fits the bill perfectly.
Is Harshal Worth Rs 11.75 crore for Punjab Kings?
Rs 11.75 crore makes Harshal Patel the joint most expensive Indian buy in IPL auction history along with Yuvraj Singh. It is a huge price tag for a domestic fast bowler.
However, Harshal has proven himself as an extremely clever operator in T20 cricket. His variations, control and ability to nail yorkers makes him a dependable option, especially in high pressure situations.
Considering PBKS’ need for a wicket-taking Indian seamer and Harshal’s excellent IPL record, the price looks quite justified. He could very well be the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle for them.
AB De Villiers Remarks on Harshal Patel:
Final Thoughts:
Harshal Patel’s bag of tricks, clever bowling and lower order hitting abilities make him a complete T20 package. He could form a lethal pace bowling partnership for PBKS along with Kagiso Rabada.
If Harshal can replicate his scintillating form of the past few IPL seasons, Punjab Kings may just have made one of the bargains of the auction by securing his services for Rs 11.75 crore.