Harshal Patel’s sister passes away, pacer leaves team’s bio-bubble

Bangalore fast bowler Harshal Patel  has left the team’s bio-bubble after the sudden demise of his sister, who passed away April 9. Harshal flew back home after Bangalore’s match against Mumbai, where Faf du Plessis led side won the game by seven wickets. Patel had an impressive outing in the game and took two wickets for 23 runs in his quota of four overs.

Bangalore will next play against Chennai at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Mumbai on April 12. The 31-year-old is expected  to join the team’s bio-bubble ahead of the Chennai game. If he joins the team in time or not is yet to be seen. If not, then he will have to miss the all-important game.

“Unfortunately, Harshal had to leave the bio-bubble due to a death in his family. It was his sister. He did not take the team bus back to Mumbai from Pune,” an ITL source said.

“He will be rejoining the bubble before the next game against CSK on April 12,” a source was quoted as saying by Times of India.

The Haryana player has been an asset to the team since the 2021 season. Last season, he took 32 wickets in 15 games, averaging 14.34, at an economy of 8.14. This performance earned him his maiden India call-up ahead of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand at home. Talking about his T20I numbers, he has played eight games and has 11 wickets to his name. He is yet to make his ODI and Test debut.

On the other hand, his 2021 performances tempted the three-time finalists to buy him back at a price of 10.75 crores during the mega auction in February this year. In the ongoing season, Patel has picked six wickets in four games. He has bowled with a better economy rate (5.50) in the ongoing season.