Harshal Patel | file photo
Highlight
- The mainstay of RCB’s bowling depends a lot on their variations to beat the batsmen
- Patel said Indian bowlers can bowl on any surface
Harshal Patel proved once again in the third T20I between India and South Africa that he is not just a one-season miracle and is here to stay. Ahead of the fourth T20I in Rajkot, Patel said he feels he needs to continuously improve his variations to pursue his international career.
Harshal made his India debut after the T20 World Cup last November and after more than six months in international cricket, the 31-year-old has taken 17 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 19.52.
The slow pitches suited his style of bowling, and it was evident in the last two matches that he got the real Kotla surface in the first match of the series.
Being a shrewd operator, Harshal knows well to be effective under extreme pressure despite his limitations.
To be honest people are trying to guess what I have been bowling for the last two years IPL) With every bowler, the longer they play, the opposition will know what the strength and pattern of the bowlers are.
My job as a bowler is to be a step ahead of him. At the end of the day, you may have 15 plans, but in a pressure situation on a particular day, if you don’t go out and execute with confidence, all is not well. My focus is on trying to make the best possible delivery at that time.
The mainstay of RCB’s bowling depends a lot on their variations to beat the batsmen and he says this is something they need to develop continuously.
I can’t worry about pace because I can’t bowl as fast as Umran Malik. I have to develop the skills to make myself effective at the international level. I have never been an express fast bowler, although on a good day I can go close to 140kmph.
My focus has always been on developing skills regarding my bowling and whatever the limitations and advantages are in my bowling. I would definitely like to pay on slow wickets. It gives you a fighting chance. If you can continue to play on pitches like Delhi, it can take away your confidence a bit.
He further added that although bowlers can bowl on any surface, it helps if the pitch is a bit slow.
We have bowlers who can bowl on all pitches, but it brings them more into the game when there are slightly slower pitches and slightly larger ground dimensions.
(Inputs PTI)