Harshal Patel expresses his gratitude towards Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma

Harshal Patel in action [PC: Twitter]

Promising Indian pacer Harshal Patel is set to make his international comeback in the three-match T20I series against Australia starting on Tuesday. 

Before the all-important first T20I in Mohali, Harshal has thanked Indian captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid for their guidance and support through thick and thin.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Harshal stressed that the captain-coach duo has clarified him his role in the team. Elaborating on the matter, the right-arm pacer revealed that the think-tank wants him to be an all-phase bowler and not just a death-overs specialist. 

Here's what Harshal said

"They [Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma] have been nothing but supportive. They told me my role exactly. They said, ‘we want you to be able to bowl in all three phases, not just middle and death’. They’ve been bowling me once at the end of the powerplay every single game just to get used to that,"

"It does take a bit of pressure off you. Because sometimes people make foolish decisions when they’re returning to play. They’re either trying to do too much or trying to push too hard because they feel that their place is in danger or for whatever reason. But if you know for a fact the team management will remember what you’ve done prior to getting injured, then that gives you a sense of calm or comfort that once you go back into the team."

Harshal Patel has been a vital cog of RCB [PC: Twitter]

Harshal missed the Asia Cup 2022 after sustaining a rib injury. But to India's good fortune, the 31-year-old recovered in time and made the cut into the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup. 

This series against Australia will test his death bowling skills to the utmost extent as he will be up against dynamic finishers like Glenn Maxwell and Tim David. 

Also Read: How can India counter the Maxwell-David threat?