'They told me my role exactly'- Harshal Patel grateful of Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma for backing him

After missing out on some of India's important matches, Harshal Patel is all set to return to the team setup for the T20I series against Australia. Patel was not a part of the Indian team for the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022 due to a rib injury. Patel made a sensational debut for India last year following his exploits for Bangalore in the Indian T20 League 2021. He won the Purple Cap after taking 32 wickets during the season.

The 31-year-old has been named to India's squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup and is expected to take on the significant role of death overs specialist. Harshal thanked head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma for their support and for clarifying his role in the team.

"They have been nothing but supportive. Whatever the team ethos is, they have taken precedence over individuals, which is a great thing. 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," Harshal told ESPNCricinfo.

It does take a bit of pressure off you: Harshal Patel

Harshal stated that the current team management relieves pressure on individuals by supporting them during difficult times, including the injury period, allowing the player to remain positive.

"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, and those performances and contributions are not forgotten, then that gives you a sense of calm or comfort that once you go back into the team - obviously you will have to perform again and again and that goes for every single cricketer - you know that you will hold that place in the team," he said.