Harshal Patel is a mentally strong cricketer, India happy with his progress on comeback: Rahul Dravid
India Today
India vs South Africa: India head coach Rahul Dravid backed Harshal Patel to deliver despite having had a shaky return from injury. Harshal picked up 2 wickets in India's win over South Africa in the 1st T20I.
India head coach Rahul Dravid has backed fast bowler Harshal Patel, saying the team management is happy with the way he has progressed since coming back from a long injury layoff. Dravid said it's usual that a player, especially a bowler, would need time to get back into rhythm after time out of competitive action due to injury concerns.
Speaking to the press on the eve of the 2nd T20I against South Africa in Guwahati, Rahul Dravid said the team is confident that Harshal Patel will be able to deliver in the crunch moments, much like the way he has done over the years in the Indian Premier League and for the senior national team.
Harshal Patel picked up 2 wickets in 4 overs, conceding only 26 runs in the first T20I against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on a pitch where fast bowlers enjoyed plenty of movement and help. However, Harshal had been on the expensive side, especially in the series against Australia wherein he conceded 49 runs in the first T20I and in excess of 8 runs per over in the last 2 matches.
Dravid backed Harshal, saying the way in which the Royal Challengers Bangalore fast bowler delivered the last overs in the Hyderabad T20I against Australia and the first T20I against South Africa gives the team management confidence.
"Harshal is a really mentally strong cricketer. He is a fantastic cricketer. If you look at his performances over the last 2 years, he has been absolutely phenomenal for the franchise that he plays in. Even for us, in international cricket, I think he has bowled some really, really good spells," Dravid said.
"He is preparing really well, he is practicing really hard. It can happen, he has also come off a little bit of an injury. It takes a little bit of time to get used to it.
"But I thought he bowled a phenomenal last over against Australia. Even in the last over in the last game against South Africa, he bowled fantastic last overs. He got Tim David’s wicket. In a tight game, in a close game, these things can make a big difference.
