'KL Rahul Deserved To Win The Award': Harshal Patel After Winning 'Player Of The Match' Against NZ

In the 2nd T20I between India & New Zealand played at Ranchi on Friday, India defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets and built an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the 3 match series. Harshal Patel, who was playing his debut international match for India, was adjudged the 'Player of the Match' for his bowling figures of 2/25 in 4 overs. 

Harshal dismissed Daryl Mitchell (31) and Glen Phillips (34) who were the highest scorers among the NZ batters in the 2nd T20I. This 30-year-old fast-medium pacer finally got his break in the international side after winning the Purple Cap in the IPL 2021, also equalling DJ Bravo's record for most wickets in a single season.

In the same match, India while chasing 154, were able to chase down the target within 17.2 overs. This could happen because of the Indian openers - KL Rahul and skipper Rohit Sharma. KL Rahul scored 65 runs in 49 balls with 6 fours & 2 sixes while Rohit scored 55 runs off 36 balls with 1 four & 5 sixes. 

Harshal Patel, after winning the Player of the Match trophy, opened up in a conversation with Yuzi Chahal about the award. 'Purple' Patel said that he didn't expect to win the man of the match award, as he thought KL Rahul deserved it more. 

'I wanted to see my name on the top of the bowlers in the scorecard. Didn't expect to win the 'Player of the Match' award because honestly, KL deserved it more', said the right arm bowler.

'I'm not complaining (about getting the award) but the way KL played on a difficult pitch, it was an exceptional knock', he added. 

India is set to meet New Zealand in the 3rd and final T20I at Eden Garden, Kolkata on Sunday. India would look to try out the younger talents - Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan & Avesh Khan, while India's ace leggie Yuzi Chahal might also get a spot. On the other hand, India may look to complete the clean sweep and can play with more or less the same side. New Zealand, on the contrary, would be playing for pride and trying their best to deny India a clean sweep in absence of Kane Williamson.