Ind vs SA, 2nd T20I: Rahul Dravid Backs Under-Fire Indian Pacer, Calls Him 'An Absolutely Phenomenal Player'

Harshal Patel, who was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022 due to injury, returned to the national team for the three-match T20I series between India and Australia.

India vs South Africa 2nd T20I: Indian cricket team's head coach Rahul Dravid backed under-fire pace bowler Harshal Patel in a press conference on Saturday, saying that the star pacer is mentally strong and he bowled brilliantly in the last over in the first T20 match against South Africa. The second match of the three-match T20 series between India and South Africa will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Harshal Patel, who was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022 due to injury, returned to the national team for the three-match T20I series between India and Australia. Head coach Rahul Dravid believes that despite giving away plenty of runs, Harshal had bowled some good spells in the Australia T20I series.

“Harshal is a really mentally strong cricketer and he is a fantastic cricketer as well. Just look at his performance over the last two years. He has been an absolutely phenomenal player. For the franchise that he plays in and even for the Indian team he has bowled some really good spells. He is preparing really well and practising really hard,” Rahul Dravid said in a pre-match press conference.

“He made a comeback to the team after injury and it takes a little time to get used to it. He bowled a fantastic last over against Australia at Hyderabad. Even against South Africa, he bowled a fantastic last over and he got Tim David’s wicket even in a tight game that can make a big difference. We are really happy with the way he is progressing, he is really well. The more games he plays it will be better for him,” he added.