HARSHAL PATEL

Harshal Patel - The Knuckleball King & Double Purple Cap Legend

Death-Over Destroyer Who Rewrote IPL Records

Harshal Vikram Patel (born Nov 23, 1990) emerged from Gujarat's domestic circuit to become IPL's most feared death bowler. With subtle slower cutters, dipping yorkers, and ice-cold nerves, he's the 3rd bowler ever with 2 Purple Caps (2021, 2024).

IPL Journey: From Fringe Player to Record Breaker

Early Days (RCB 2012-2020)
Started as batting all-rounder, honed variations in domestic cricket for Haryana. Ranji Trophy heroics (8-fors vs Karnataka/Rajasthan) caught RCB eyes.

Breakthrough 2021
Purple Cap: 32 wickets (joint IPL record with Bravo)
Historic Hat-trick: vs MI (Hardik-Kieron-Rahul)
5/27 best figures: vs MI, first 5-wicket haul vs Mumbai Indians

2024 Purple Cap Repeat (PBKS)
24 wickets @9.73 economy, ₹11.75 Cr auction star
₹10 lakh prize, death-over mastery

2025 SRH
₹8 Cr buy, Pat Cummins' pace spearhead

Bowling Arsenal

Knuckleball Slower: Batsmen's worst nightmare
Wide Yorkers: 2021 death-over weapon
Variations: Cutter, bouncer, seam-up
Economy: 8.14 (2021 record season)

Key Stats

• 151 IPL wickets (119 matches)
• Death-over specialist: 8.86 overall economy
• T20I: 29 wickets @26.55 avg

Signature Moment: IPL 2021 hat-trick - 3 MI giants in 4 balls!

"Bowling in death overs is chess. Variations win games."
— Harshal Patel