Reports | RCB’s Harshal Patel leaves bio-bubble following his sister’s death

According to multiple reports, including PTI, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) fast bowler Harshal Patel left the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 bio-bubble on Saturday (April 9) night following the death of his sister. The 31-year-old fast bowler reportedly got to know about the tragedy following his side’s fixture against Mumbai Indians (MI) at MCA Stadium, where they won by seven wickets. He played a crucial role in their triumph, returning 2-23 in his allotted four overs.

“Unfortunately, Harshal had to leave the bio-bubble due to a death in his family. It was his sister. He did not take the team bus back to Mumbai from Pune,” an IPL source was quoted as saying by India Today.

“He will be rejoining the bubble before the next game against CSK on April 12.”

Harshal has been a star performer for RCB in the past couple of seasons. He ended IPL 2021 by winning the Purple Cap, bagging 32 wickets. Then in IPL 2022 auction, he was brought back by the Red and Gold brigade at a hefty sum of INR 10.75 crore. He also made his debut for India last year, and has played eight T20Is since then.

With three wins and one defeat, RCB is currently placed third on the points table, behind Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans.