IPL 2018: Twitterati believe Harshal Patel is the new competitor for Hardik Pandya

The followers of the Indian domestic cricket know that the name of Harshal Patel is not a new one. The fast bowler has been around for quite some time now. However, he has come in to the limelight only after his recent exploits in the IPL for the Delhi Daredevils. Prior to his stint with the Daredevils, Patel was with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament in the previous years.

This season, he found a place in the side in the DD lineup. It took him quite some time to be a part of the playing eleven in the season. But when he got in, he ensured that he not only contributed with the ball but also with the bat. Harshal Patel, who plays for Haryana in the domestic cricket, was promoted as a pinch hitter in the game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier this season.

He found some success and played very well for his 24 before sacrificing his wicket for Rishabh Pant in a miscommunication at the crease. And now, in the most recent game for his side against the Chennai Super Kings, Harshal showed that his knock against the Sunrisers was not a one match wonder.

In fact, Patel proved to be a shade better against the Chennai Super Kings. Patel smashed an unbeaten 36 off just 16 ball with a four and three sixes to his name. This included three towering maximums against Dwayne Bravo in the game. Certainly, the fans went gaga about his blitzkrieg cameo.

They hailed him for his stupendous knock. More importantly, the Twitterati felt that Patel can actually be a better all-rounder than Hardik Pandya. In the ongoing edition of the IPL, Hardik Pandya has largely struggled with the bat. Hence, the fans did not miss out on the opportunities to draw comparisons between the two cricketers. Whether the fans trolled Hardik or praised Patel, it remains at the view point of the readers.

Here is how the Twitterati reacted to the cameo of Harshal Patel:

I hv been seen many plyrs in hitting sixes in this #IPL2018 bt really impressed wd #HarshalPatel #DDvCSK
If m selector definitely pick him for team India wd @hardikpandya7

What u think Mr. Specialist @cricketaakash @jatinsapru #KentCricketLIVE #Vivoipl2018

— Brijendra Yadav (@BjFddi) May 18, 2018

Harshal Patel is a real competition to Hardik Pandya now ! #DDvCSK

— Deep (@sportymanches) May 18, 2018

I must say that harshal patel is doing better than hardik pandya @cricbuzz #DDvCSK HAVE YOUR SAY

— atul Agrawal (@adeptatul) May 18, 2018

Harshal Patel bantering Bravo for those hugh sixes,shows that the best in the world can 2 have a worst day in #T20 cricket,good recovery by #DD this #DDvCSK #IPL2018 #vivoipl2018

— Tejas Pujare (@tejas_pujare) May 18, 2018

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