3 reasons why SRH buying Harshal Patel at IPL 2025 Auction is a shrewd move
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) made a brilliant move by acquiring the services of Harshal Patel at the ongoing auction. They got the fast-bowling all-rounder for a decent sum of INR 8 crore.
They initially had him for INR 6.50 crore. However, the Punjab Kings decided to use their RTM card. Hyderabad then raised the bid to INR 8 crore and eventually managed to bring Harshal Patel into their side.
SRH are looking to build a potent bowling attack. While they had a batting-heavy side last season, they would be keen on improving their bowling attack. Narrowly missing out on a second IPL title, they will be keen to go all the way this time around.
Harshal Patel has been among the top performers in the IPL over the last few seasons and is a solid Indian player to have on your side. With his inclusion, SRH have bolstered their fast bowling attack.
Here are three reasons why SRH buying Harshal Patel at the IPL 2025 Auction is a shrewd move.
#3 Purple Cap holder in IPL 2024 and a consistent wicket-taker
Harshal Patel grabbed 24 wickets from 14 matches in IPL 2024 while playing for the Punjab Kings. He had an average of 19.87 and an economy rate of 9.73. Harshal ended up as the highest wicket-taker last season and won the Purple Cap.
However, this was not the first time he won the Purple Cap. In the 2021 season, while playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he bagged a record 32 wickets in the season and emerged as the highest wicket-taker as well.
Having won the Purple Cap twice in four seasons, Harshal Patel has proved that he is a consistent wicket-taker in the league.
#2 Proven performer and match-winner
As mentioned above, Harshal Patel won the Purple Cap twice in four seasons and is a proven performer in the IPL. Across 106 games, he has picked up a total of 135 wickets at an average of 23.32 and an economy rate of 8.74.
Moreover, he has also managed to pick up wickets in clusters more often than not. He has two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul in his career. His best season came in 2021 where he picked up a truckload of wickets and helped RCB qualify for the playoffs as well.
With his knack for picking up wickets consistently, Harshal Patel has established himself as a true match-winner with the ball in the league with solid performances across seasons.
#1 Completes the pace attack for SRH with Shami and Cummins
Sunrisers Hyderabad retained their skipper Pat Cummins, who will once again lead the pace attack as the lead overseas pacer. In addition, they also acquired the services of experienced Indian pacer Mohammed Shami.
While Shami can partner Cummins with the new ball in the powerplay, they have a perfect third pacer in Harshal Patel, who can take charge of the middle overs. Shami is equally capable of bowling at the death and so is Harshal.
Shami can deliver accurate yorkers while Harshal, with his slower ones and other variations, can prove to be a deadly bowling pair in the death overs. With Cummins, Shami, and Harshal in the squad, SRH have a complete and potent pace attack as the trio can start in their playing XI.