In a captivating twist during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, Harshal Patel, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player, has secured a lucrative deal with the Punjab Kings (PBKS). The auction witnessed Harshal emerging as the most expensive Indian purchase, with the Kings securing his services for an impressive sum of Rs 11.75 crore.
Fierce bidding duel for Harshal Patel between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans
The bidding war unfolded as Gujarat Titans (GT) initiated the process at Harshal Patel’s base price of Rs 2 crore. What ensued was a fiercely contested battle between the Titans and the Kings. The bidding escalated rapidly, reaching a substantial amount before GT eventually withdrew, paving the way for PBKS to claim the talented medium pacer.
Purple cap holder’s journey
Harshal rose to prominence during his stint with RCB in 2021, where he made a significant impact. Notably, he clinched the coveted Purple Cap, awarded to the leading wicket-taker, by securing an impressive 32 wickets in 15 games. His exceptional bowling continued in the 2022 season, adding 19 more wickets to his tally.
Impactful performances with RCB
Harshal’s consistent wicket-taking ability played a pivotal role in RCB’s qualification for the playoffs in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Despite a relatively quieter performance in the previous year, where he picked up 14 wickets in 13 games, the medium pacer’s track record and past successes position him as a valuable asset for his new franchise, the Kings.
Also READ: Netizens delighted as CSK bags New Zealand’s sensation Rachin Ravindra in IPL 2024 Auction
High expectations for the IPL 2024 Season
Fans are eagerly anticipating Harshal’s contributions to PBKS, expecting him to carry forward his stellar form and continue making a significant impact in the upcoming IPL season. The sizeable contract reflects the confidence the Kings have in Harshal’s ability to be a game-changer, and the team’s supporters are optimistic about the success he could bring to their campaign.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
#HarshalPatel goes to #PunjabKings for 11.75 crores.
Highest bid for an Indian player thus far. #IPL2024Auction pic.twitter.com/lQGL0hkGYm— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) December 19, 2023
Harshal Patel picked by PBKS for 11.75 Cr. Will be handy at Mohali. Likely to be the most expensive Capped Indian in the auction. Won the Purple Cap in 2021
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) December 19, 2023
33 year old Harshal Patel who is categorised as all-rounder goes to ➡️ Punjab Kings for 11.75 CRORE. 🤯
Insane. pic.twitter.com/i05Q5BYYY9
— Saif Ahmed 🇧🇩 (@saifahmed75) December 19, 2023
Harshal Patel after being sold for 11.75 Crore to Punjab Kings!
#IPL2024Auction#iplauction2024 pic.twitter.com/P78JhLBchK
— Saurabh Singh (@100rabhsingh781) December 19, 2023
He bats. He bowls. He’s won the Purple Cap. 💪
Harshal is coming to drive us to glory! 🚗 🔥#HarshalPatel #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #JazbaHaiPunjabi pic.twitter.com/o7ydiJifAr
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 19, 2023
The Punjab Kings have a valuable buy in the form of Harshal Patel for a whopping price of INR 11.75 Crore 🔥🔥#IPLAuction | #IPL pic.twitter.com/YNyDPOzaQk
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 19, 2023
Harshal Patel will finally complete the arc of playing the whole trinity of IPL… Played RCB – > DC -> Kings 11.
— Sai (@akakrcb6) December 19, 2023
Preity Zinta said “Harshal Patel is an unbelievable bowler. We were just surprised he was released. We are so happy to have him. It’s amazing, thanks to the BCCI.” [ESPNCricinfo]#iplauction2024 pic.twitter.com/Q77CUIsyrD
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) December 19, 2023
BREAKING NEWS 🚨🚨
Harshal Patel sold to PBKS for 11.75 crore.#iplauction2024 #IPLAuction #BabarWeBelieveInYou #starc #klassen #ViratKohli #PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/R0X909PX9b
— Shabaaz Khan (@shabaazk601) December 19, 2023
With the acquisition of Harshal Patel, Punjab has strengthened their bowling department.. they no longer have to play with overseas bowler..
Meanwhile Chris woakes will give competition to Sam Curren….— Mindless Tweets (@MindlessTweet11) December 19, 2023
Indian bowler Harshal Patel is sold to Punjab Kings for whopping 11.75 Crore INR 🇮🇳🔥🔥🔥
Crazy money involved 😱😱😱 #IPLAuction #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/ZXEtzmO0CU
— ᗷΙᏕⱮΑ🌸 (@bi_smah_) December 19, 2023
Harshal Patel very expensive buy for Punjab . 11.75. He is not all-rounder category He might win you couple of games with bowling.
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) December 19, 2023
Also READ: Fans go crazy as Mitchell Starc shatters records, becomes the costliest buy in IPL history
#Fans #thrilled #Harshal #Patel #expensive #Indian #purchase #IPL #Auction
