IND vs SA 2022: "12th player of opposition" - Netizens roast Harshal Patel after yet another expensive spell in 3rd T20I

Harshal Patel once again proved to be expensive with the ball in the third T20I between India and South Africa on Thursday, October 4, in Indore.

The right-arm pacer went wicketless in the fixture. To add insult to injury, he conceded 49 runs from his full quota of four overs, finishing with a dismal economy rate of 12.20.

South Africa posted a mammoth total of 227/3 while batting first, thanks to Rilee Roussouw's maiden T20I century (1008 pff 48). Quinton de Kock (68 off 43) and David Miller (19* off five) also played key knocks.

Harshal's form has been a concern for the Men in Blue as he has struggled for consistency since returning from a rib injury. A number of fans took to social media, expressing concerns over the player's underwhelming form ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022.

Here are some of the reactions:

Have been advising the Selectors to find an alternative Bowler in place of Harshal Patel as he has been a total failure in death overs.There is no penetration in his Bowling even though he is a front line Bowler.He should practice in Nets if he wants to be selected ?

@BCCI @mastercardindia Harshal Patel etne run da rha hai 😴 aur j hamri team ma main blowers ma b include hai , bhagwan he bachye ab toh 😂 World Cup ma

Every passing match confirms my doubts about the value that Harshal Patel brings. Even in the IPL, he wasn’t ever economical. Just that picked up wickets. Usually at the death - by when it’s a bit late. In international matches, even that has dried up. #INDvsSA #T20WorldCup2022

Slower balls will be helpful when your quick ball is 145kph+ ..

Harshal patel bowls slower balls at 115kmph while his quick ball is 125kph

Harshal Patel is giving a tribute to RCB - 49 🫡
#INDvsSA

@BCCI @mastercardindia Harshal Patel is continuously getting selected for what he is worst at "Death bowling" 🙁
We are nearing WC and have a serious issue to address. No expectations from The Great Indian Selectors 😞 #BCCI #Indiancricketteam #RohitSharma #RahulDravid

What happened in that over when Jadeja hit 37 of Harshal Patel was the only reality, everything else is a lie.
#INDvsSA

I can't live with fact that harshal patel is our main death bowler for t20 WC

Harshal Patel is a serious concern now. And the problem is that they don't have any games left and Shami is untested. Serious questions for Team India with regards to bowling, more importantly towards death.
#INDvsSA #T20WorldCup2022 #TeamIndia #Cricket

@deeputalks Harshal Patel is Highly Overrated and NOT at all International material,he is lucky enough to play IPL

@CricCrazyJohns Harshal Patel is a absolute waste!! No wicket taking ability! 12th player of opposition

@BCCI why don’t you trust T Natarajan and M shami instead of Harshal Patel and Umesh Yadav.

#HarshalPatel should surrender his Team India jersey #indvsa

Just another day at the office for Harshal Patel. How can someone be so consistent.
#INDvSA

When you over credit a bowler, the result is Harshal Patel.
He was tagged as one of the best T20 Bowlers of India.
What a fraud.
#INDvsSA @BCCI

Bowling has been an area of concern for Team India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022. The Men in Blue will be without their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah at the showpiece event as he has been ruled out due to a back injury.

Harshal Patel under the scanner after a string of poor performances

Harshal, who was sidelined with a rib injury earlier this year, returned to action in India's three-match home T20I series against Australia last month. However, it proved to be a forgettable series for the 31-year-old.

He gave away 99 runs from eight overs at an encomy rate of 12.37 in the rubber, picking up just one wicket. His struggles continued in the ensuing series against South Africa.

Harshal had an economy rate of 10 against the Proteas and took just two wickets in three matches. While slower deliveries have reaped dividends for the pacer, his variations have become a bit predictable lately.

Harshal has an impressive track record in the shortest format. He will be hoping to make amends by delivering an improved performance at the T20 World Cup in Australia later this month.