Harshal Patel ties Dwayne Bravo’s IPL record for most wickets in a single season
Despite failing to assist Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Harshal Patel completed his campaign with another achievement. The RCB bowler took his 32nd wicket of the season, tying Dwayne Bravo for the most wickets in a single IPL season. In 2013, the all-rounder for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took 32 wickets. Harshal claimed his 31st wicket of the season by dismissing KKR opener, Shubman Gill. He then followed up by returning Venkatesh Iyer to the ground for his 32nd wicket of the season.
Harshal finished the season with 32 wickets and was on his way to breaking Bravo’s record of 33 wickets, but Devdutt Padikkal fumbled a mis-hit shot by Sunil Narine off his bowling.
The 30-year-old, who joined the Royal Challengers Banglore as a transfer from the Delhi Capitals, had a season to remember. He set a new IPL record for the most wickets taken by an uncapped player in a single season. He also broke Jasprit Bumrah’s T20 league record for most wickets by an Indian bowler in a single season.
In the previous edition of the game, Bumrah had captured 27 wickets. Before this game, he had taken 30 wickets, the most by a bowler in a single IPL season’s league phase.
KKR scored 139 for six in 19.4 overs while chasing a goal of 139. Before being removed by Harshal, openers Gill and Iyer gave KKR a great start. Iyer hit 26 off 30 deliveries, while Gill scored 29 off 18 balls.
KKR increased their pursuit after the arrival of Sunil Narine. The Caribbean cricketer hit 26 off 15 deliveries, including three sixes.
In addition to Harshal, RCB’s Yuzvendra Chahal and Mohammed Siraj bowled well, both getting two wickets.
Virat Kohli, the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, had won the toss and opted to bat first. RCB scored 138 for seven in 20 overs, with Kohli scoring 39 in 33 balls. For KKR, Narine was in excellent form, taking four wickets.