DC vs RCB: Harshal Patel back for Bangalore as RCB take on Delhi Capitals

DC vs RCB: Star pacer Harshal Patel returned to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s playing XI in the crucial IPL 2022 game against Delhi Capitals.

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis confirmed that RCB were boosted by the return of star pacer Harshal Patel to their playing XI for their crucial IPL 2022 match against Delhi Capitals.

"The pitch looks a little bit drier than anticipated. Chennai had two quality batters, putting up a massive partnership, not looking too much further than that. Harshal Patel is back which is great. He's an experienced X-factor player. Akash Deep goes out of the side," Faf said after losing the toss to Rishabh Pant on Saturday.

RCB had registered three consecutive wins, but their progress was halted by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Harshal's absence was the biggest factor in RCB’s defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings. The RCB pacer, who was away from the team due to a personal tragedy, has grown into a terrific T20 bowler who is equally effective at containing runs and making breakthroughs.

RCB captain Faf du Plessis had conceded that his team missed Harshal when Chennai’s Shivam Dube and Robin Uthappa forged a match-winning partnership for CSK.

“You see the value of Harshal, and what he offers. He has the ability to stop the game. We missed that. We lacked the variety we needed in our attack. Hopefully, we can have him again soon,” Du Plessis had rued after their loss to Chennai.

The Purple Cap winner of the previous season has rejoined the squad and is playing RCB's crucial game against the Capitals. Harshal has been the standout performer in the RCB line-up for a couple of seasons, picking up wickets in crunch situations. With his variations, Patel picked a plethora of wickets in the final overs of the game, helping him win the purple cap with 32 wickets in the 2021 season.