Harshal Patel, the experienced Indian fast bowler, will play for Gujarat in the forthcoming 2025-26 domestic cricket season, coming full circle in his cricketing career. Completing 14 fruitful years with Haryana, Harshal makes a calculated and emotional switch back to his native state, Gujarat.
Why Harshal Patel Returned to Gujarat
Harshal Patel was born in Ahmedabad. He started his cricketing career in Gujarat, where he debuted in List A in 2008-09 after a career-best performance in the Under-19 level. But a lack of opportunities made him shift to Haryana in 2010, immediately after the Under-19 World Cup.
At Haryana, Harshal excelled, debuting for the team in first-class cricket in 2011-12 and becoming an integral part of the team across all formats. He concluded his time with the team as one of their most successful bowlers, taking 246 first-class wickets in 74 matches, with 12 instances of five-wicket hauls.
Family Obligations Affect the Choice
Harshal Patel said his decision to return was partly motivated by his need to spend more time with his young family in Ahmedabad. With growing family commitments and a presence in both Ahmedabad and the USA, the move was essential to keep things in balance.
“It was becoming hard for me to stay away from the family for long hours,” Harshal said. “So I wished to return and observe whether I could complete my career here.”
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Gujarat Cricket Association Welcomes Harshal Back
The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), under secretary Anil Patel, gave Harshal Patel a warm welcome. Harshal initially approached GCA, and they were “more than happy” to welcome him back.
“This is your home, welcome back,” Anil Patel is quoted as saying to Harshal.
Harshal will represent Gujarat in the pre-season tri-series later this month, involving Baroda and Saurashtra.
Harshal Patel’s Role and Future Plans with Gujarat
At the helm of head coach Ramesh Powar and with the likes of Axar Patel in the team, Harshal wants to take his years of experience to a young and evolving Gujarat team.
“I’m quite looking forward to understanding what I can contribute here for the improvement of the team,” he expressed. “If I can guide young guys and assist them in their journey, there’ll be no greater satisfaction.”
Open to All Formats
Even though Harshal has not been a regular in red-ball cricket lately (only 7 games in 2 seasons), he’s eager to contribute in all formats. In spite of his tag as a white-ball specialist, he stated that he was fully willing to play Ranji Trophy if picked.
“My body lets me bowl 20 overs a day in a season. I enjoy the grind.”
Harshal Patel in IPL and India T20I Career
At the age of 34, Harshal Patel is still a vital cog in the IPL, having just finished a good 2025 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he picked 16 wickets in 13 games with an economy of 9.80.
Though his last India match was in January 2023, Harshal is not seeking a return. His target is to deliver his best wherever he is playing.
My motivation is not India or IPL selection. It’s whether I still have the hunger and I do.”
Harshal Patel’s Personal Motivation and Legacy
Harshal Patel’s career illustrates perseverance and self-belief. The prospect of playing in the USA early in his career, which he actually considering it, changed when he switched to Haryana. Now financially safe after his IPL success, Harshal plays cricket for the love of it.
“Right now my training is more stabilised than it has ever been. I want to play this game because I LOVE it, not because I HAVE TO.”
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