News
Robin Uthappa Believes Harshal Patel Can Be Useful In Death Overs
By SMCS - Nov 20, 2021 2:40 pm
Views 60

Experienced India wicket-keeper batsman Robin Uthappa has lauded the performance of Harshal Patel on his debut for Team India against New Zealand in Ranchi on Friday. The speedster has claimed 2 wickets and registered a stunning figure of 2-25 as well.

uthappa
Robin Uthappa

However, Uthappa believes Harshal Patel can be very useful in the death overs and he can support Jasprit Bumrah when it comes to death overs bowling. The seamer, however, has done that for the Royal Challengers Bangalore team where he had played as a death-over specialist in the Indian Premier League. He scalped 32 wickets in the tournament and finished as the leading wicket-taker also.

READ HERE: Aakash Chopra opens up on New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad

While speaking on ESPN Cricinfo, Uthappa said: “If you would consider just a death bowling spot, then Harshal Patel is right up there for me along with Bumrah. The kind of skills he possesses and the way he is executing those skills, not just possession of skills but the way you execute those skills also matter, especially under pressure. Incredible how he came back in his last over, that just shows he’s got the stuff.”

Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel

Meanwhile, key pacers of India, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami have been rested for the ongoing three-match T20I series. Along with this, an injury to Mohammad Siraj in the first T20I has given Harshal Patel the opportunity to don the blue as well and he has grabbed the chance with both hands. Although he was impressed with his international debut, Robin Uthappa also stated that he still needs to work and improve.

READ HERE: Shaun Tait explains why speedsters struggle to bowl 150+kmph

“The waist-high no balls have been something we have noticed with him over the last 12 months or so and it is something he would want to work on and improve. Because in high-pressure games you don’t want to give away a ball like that.” Robin Uthappa concluded.

With the win in the second T20I, they have sealed the series with one match to spare as well. It will be interesting to see if India manage to win the third T20I over New Zealand or they will turn the table.