(Cricket News) After being purchased by Punjab Kings for Rs 11.75 crore, Harshal Patel became the most expensive Indian purchase of the 2024 IPL auction. The Gujarat Titans initiated the bidding at his base price of Rs 2 crore, followed by Punjab Kings, and the two teams engaged in a neck-and-neck battle until Gujarat withdrew.

Patel discussed his high auction price on Jio Cinema, saying, “Even though I did not have a great season last year, it did not mean I lost skills or lost confidence. I feel that if I am executing well, I can bowl in any situation.”

Additionally, he expressed his excitement about playing alongside many of the Punjab players he had previously faced: “It feels really nice. A lot of these guys, especially the fast bowlers, I really rate them very highly.

Obviously, I enjoy a great relationship with Shikhar bhai. With Kagiso Rabada, I have played for 2-3 years in Delhi and enjoy a great relationship with him. So, hopefully, we will play good cricket and overcome the title drought.”

Medium pacer Patel, who has been with Royal Challengers Bangalore since 2012, made his breakthrough in his second stint there in 2021. He claimed the Purple Cap that season after taking 32 wickets in 15 games, and he added 19 wickets in 2022.

Riding high on his bowling prowess, RCB qualified for play-offs both seasons. Although Patel had a lacklustre season the year before, taking 14 wickets in 13 games, he is still expected to perform well for his new team. At the 2024 IPL auction in Dubai, 333 players were be auctioned off, 214 Indians and 119 foreign cricketers.

See more: IPL 2024 Auction Results: Complete List of Sold and Unsold Players.