IPL 2024: I have nothing but gratitude in my heart – Harshal Patel after being released by Royal Challengers Bangalore

Indian fast bowler Harshal Patel gave his gratitude to Royal Challengers Bangalore after he was released by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction. Patel played for RCB for three years and played a key role in the team’s success.

The right-arm pacer was released on Sunday, which was the last day for all the 10 teams to announce their retention and release players list.

In the 2021 IPL season, Patel bowled at his absolute best as he clinched the Purple Cap, with an impressive tally of 32 wickets from 15 games. Subsequently, he received a maiden call-up to the Indian team and made his T20I debut against New Zealand.

But Patel could not replicate the same performance in the previous season as he scalped 14 wickets at an economy rate of 9.66. Ergo, he was let go by the franchise.

Furthermore, RCB has also released Josh Hazlewood and Wanindu Hasaranga. The duo was among the other surprise releases by the franchise as they traded Cameron Green for Rs 17.5 crores from Mumbai Indians.

“I want to share some special memories I’ve had with last three years have been an incredible journey for me. I want to thanks everyone in the team who stood by me through thick and thin. As I move on, I have nothing but gratitude in my heart,” wrote Harshal Patel on his Instagram account.

RCB have also appointed Andy Flower as their new head coach

Royal Challengers Bangalore Retained Players

Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar (from SRH), Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green (from MI).

Royal Challengers Bangalore Released Players

Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, David Willey, Wayne Parnell, Sonu Yadav, Avinash Singh, Siddharth Kaul, Kedar Jadhav.