The Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer Harshal Patel penned a heartfelt note for his late sister Archita Patel, calling her “one of the kindest and joyful people in his life.”

“Didi, you were one of the kindest and most joyful person in our lives. You faced incredible difficulties in life with a big smile on your face till your last breath. When I was with you in the hospital before I came back to India you told me to focus on my game and don’t worry about you. Those words was the only reason I could come back and take the field last night,” he wrote on Instagram, along with a photo with his sister. 

“That’s all I could do now to remember and honour you. I will continue to do everything that made you proud of me. I will miss you every moment of my life, in good times and bad. I love you so much. Rest in peace jadi,” he continued. 

The 31-year-old had exited the Indian Premier League bubble on 11 April following the death of his elder sister. Though many thought he would be missing the entire season, he missed just one game against Chennai Super Kings, which his side lost by 23 runs. He returned to play against Delhi Capitals after completing his three-day quarantine.

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Patel bowled four overs and gave away 40 runs against DC in match Number 27 of the IPL 2022 at the Wankhede Stadium. While Patel went wicketless, Australian player Josh Hazlewood picked up three wickets to guide RCB to a 16-run win against DC. With 8 points from 6 games, RCB are currenly placed third in the IPL 2022 standings.