Harshal Patel is an Indian cricketer who has made a name for himself as a rightarm mediumfast bowler and a handy lowerorder batsman. Born on November 23, 1990, he represents Haryana in domestic cricket and has been a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Patel initially gained attention for his performances in domestic cricket, showcasing his ability to bowl deceptive slower balls and contribute crucial runs down the order. He made his firstclass debut for Haryana in 2008 and quickly established himself as a key member of the team.

His IPL journey began in 2012 when he was picked up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Although he didn't get consistent opportunities initially, he continued to hone his skills. A stint with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) followed, where he gained more exposure and experience. However, it was his return to RCB in 2021 that truly catapulted him into the limelight. In that season, Patel enjoyed a phenomenal run, becoming the highest wickettaker and winning the Purple Cap. His variations, particularly his slower balls and yorkers, proved incredibly difficult for batsmen to handle.

Patel's impressive performances in the IPL earned him a callup to the Indian national team. He made his international debut in a T20 International against New Zealand in 2021. While he has had limited opportunities at the international level, he remains a contender for a spot in the Indian team, especially in the T20 format. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic thinking on the field, Harshal Patel continues to be a valuable asset to any team he represents, combining his bowling prowess with useful contributions with the bat.