Harshal Patel Reveals What Captain Virat Kohli Told Him When He Was Picked For RCB

The Purple Cap winner of the IPL 2021, Harshal Patel picked up 32 wickets and displayed his bowling skills in front of the world. Patel also became the joint-highest wicket-taker in an IPL season along with Dwayne Bravo. Although the bowler wasn't retained even after this fantastic display and will be available at the IPL Auction 2022.

The 31-year old Harshal Patel's 2021 records should attract bids from multiple franchises in the IPL 2022 auction. However, the right arm bowler has revealed what Virat Kohli messaged him after Harshal got picked for RCB.

While talking to ESPN Cricinfo, Harshal Patel said that when he was picked by RCB, Virat Kohli messaged him that he was going to play all the matches. Patel said, "The moment I was traded, Virat messaged me saying, “You’re going to play all the games.”That gave me a lot of confidence – that here’s a captain who is giving you that assurance. I had enough confidence that if I got opportunities, I’d make the most of it,”

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Harshal Patel also presented his thoughts on getting retained by RCB ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. He said, "I always believe whatever happens in the IPL, whether someone retains you or lets you go, you shouldn’t take it personally. Those decisions aren’t taken based on whether they like you as a person or not. It’s all about how you can contribute in that set-up, and if they felt you can’t contribute the way they want you to, then you’re not valuable to them anymore and you’re being traded to a team that has asked for you and has a role for you."