After the Royal Challengers Bangalore registered a two-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians, Harshal Patel became the highlight of the game as the right-arm pacer scalped a fifer with the figure of 5/27. 

The 30-year-old Haryana cricketer, who was told in advance that he will be death overs’ “pointsman” for RCB, said on Friday during the post-match press conference, “When I was traded from Delhi Capitals, I was told what role I will play for the franchise.” 

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Harshal was lauded by RCB captain Virat Kohli, who on Friday said, “We brought Harshal in a trade from Delhi. He is relishing the responsibility and is clear with his plans. He was the difference today.”

As Kohli said Harshal was brilliant in the death overs, the Haryana pacer also knew this as he had planned meticulously. 

“There were clear instructions that I will be bowling in the last two overs (he bowled 18th and 20th). That gave me a lot of clarity. It helped me prepare certain plans against batters and kept my preparations concise.” Harshal said.

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“The ball started reversing at one stage. It was important to bowl the Yorkers and slower balls,” he said, adding that the change of pace and the slow yorkers have been his biggest strength in the game.

Harshal said that he has been bowling those slow yorkers that got rid of Ishan Kishan and Marco Jansen, for almost two seasons now.

“You always want to start well. I am in my 10th season and I know that how a season can quickly go from good to bad.”