Harshal Patel: From Humble Beginnings to IPL Stardom
In the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Harshal Patel, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, has captured the spotlight for his exceptional bowling performances. Known for his ability to deceive top batters with crafty deliveries, especially during the death overs, Harshal has become one of the most talked-about bowlers in the cricketing world.
In the most recent match against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, Harshal’s performance stood out as he took four crucial wickets, contributing immensely to Sunrisers’ victory. So far in the 2025 season, he has claimed 13 wickets in eight matches, showcasing his consistent impact. But what many might not know is that Harshal Patel’s journey to IPL stardom began far from the cricket fields — in a perfume store in the United States.
From Financial Struggles to Self-Belief
Born in Gujarat, Harshal moved to the United States with his family at the age of 17. There, with limited opportunities to play cricket, he took up a job at a perfume store in New Jersey, where he earned just $35 a day (approximately ₹1,500–₹1,800 at the time). The struggles were not only financial; Harshal also faced significant language barriers, given his limited proficiency in English. Despite these hardships, Harshal never gave up on his love for cricket. He nurtured his dream of returning to India to pursue the sport professionally. True to his resolve, Harshal eventually made his way back to India and devoted himself fully to cricket, marking the beginning of his rise.
Skill as Strength: The King of the Death Overs
What distinguishes Harshal Patel from his peers is his remarkable skill in variations. Whether it’s his slow deliveries, off-cutters, yorkers, or pace changes, Harshal’s bowling is particularly dangerous in the death overs. While players like Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah rely on their distinct bowling actions to generate variations, Harshal has honed these skills through sheer determination, much like the legendary Dwayne Bravo.
In fact, renowned batter AB de Villiers once remarked that facing Harshal Patel’s bowling was a challenge in itself. Harshal’s four-wicket haul (4/28) against Chennai Super Kings in the most recent match was a testament to his bowling prowess. His performance earned him the “Player of the Match” award, further solidifying his status as a premier bowler.
Ups and Downs in the IPL: A Tale of Resilience
Harshal Patel’s IPL journey has been filled with highs and lows. In 2021, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Harshal earned the prestigious Purple Cap with 32 wickets, matching Dwayne Bravo’s record for most wickets in a single season. However, despite his stellar performance, RCB released him. The following year, in the 2024 IPL auction, Punjab Kings purchased him for a whopping ₹11.75 crore. Harshal continued his excellent form, finishing the season with 24 wickets. However, he was once again released by the franchise ahead of the next auction.
Despite these setbacks, Harshal Patel has been a consistent performer in the IPL. Since 2021, he has taken 102 wickets in the tournament, underlining his resilience and ability to bounce back each season.
An Inspirational Journey
Though Harshal Patel earned a spot in the Indian T20 squad and has played 25 international matches, he currently finds himself out of the national team. Throughout his career, Harshal has faced neglect and setbacks, yet he has never given up on his dreams. From working as a daily wage worker in a perfume shop to becoming a multi-crore IPL player and a cunning bowler, Harshal’s journey is a story of perseverance, self-belief, and hard work.
His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, demonstrating that with determination and skill, it is possible to rise above challenging circumstances and achieve success. Harshal Patel is not just a successful cricketer but also an embodiment of the power of resilience and the pursuit of dreams.
