Harshal Patel rejuvenated his IPL career last year with a brilliant performance with ball-playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. And, recently in a chat show, Patel revealed that before that he had anxiety issues. But, a small conversation made things very easy for him as a player.
The right-handed pacer grabbed 32 wickets in the previous season and won the purple cap. He played a key role in making RCB reach the playoffs. Interestingly, his performance for RCB attracted the eyeball of Indian selectors and he received his maiden call-up from Team India.
Harshal Patel Sheds Light On His Anxiety Issue
This season he is again plying traits for RCB as he was bought by the reds at a whopping price of INR 10.75 Crores. The ongoing season has so far gone well for the pacer and he has grabbed 9 wickets in 7 games for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Recently in a chat show, Harshal Patel discussed his anxiety issue. The right-handed pacer said that he used to pee after every two minutes ahead of the match. As per him, he used to face severe issues and wanted the game to get over in order to take a sound sleep.
“I went through a cycle of crippling pre-game anxiety. Like I would have to go and pee probably once every two minutes, right from when I wake up on game day to the moment where I bowl the first ball. The anxiety was so bad and I used to get so exhausted that I would want the match to end so that I could go and sleep. I still have it but now I look at it as a part of the game,” Harshal said on the YouTube show, ‘Breakfast with Champions’.
Patel mentioned that during IPL 2021 he had a conversation with former Proteas skipper AB de Villiers and latter said he also faces the same issues. And, the Indian bowler then said if a player of such a stature faces that sort of problem then it is fine for a player like him.
“I remember probably last season when I was having a conversation with AB. He said the same thing, ‘I am pissing myself before every game.’ If that is happening to somebody like AB de Villiers, who am I? You get an affirmation that you’re not alone,” he added.
Harshal Patel is in the contention to play for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, he is expected to replicate his IPL 2021 form this season as well. The Harayana-born cricketer will be spotted in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 26th April.
