IPL 2025 auction: Three teams that may target Harshal Patel at Mega Auction

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Harshal Patel has emerged as one of the most effective bowlers in the Indian Premier League. The 33-year-old was at his imperious best, where he accounted for 24 dismissals in 14 matches and finished the season as the highest wicket-taker. Rightly so, he won the coveted Purple Cap.

Despite his incredible season, the Mohali-based franchise made a surprising decision to release the right-arm medium-fast bowler ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Having already retained two players, PBKS will have four Right to Match (RTM) cards at their disposal during the auction. It’s highly likely they will consider using one to bring Harshal back, given his form and experience.

However, if Punjab lets him go, several teams will undoubtedly line up to secure his services. Here are three teams that could be in the hunt to pursue Harshal Patel to strengthen their bowling attack.

1. Mumbai Indians

The five-time champions endured a forgettable IPL 2024 season, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 games. It was quite obvious that their bowling unit was a significant weak link as the bowlers leaked runs at critical junctures.

Adding Harshal Patel to MI's lineup could provide much-needed depth in the death overs, in what could potentially revive the franchise's fortunes in the next season. MI would definitely want a bowler like Harshal Patel at their disposal and if things work out, he might be able to work with Jasprit Bumrah. The deadly bowling duo could ruffle the batters' feathers and deliver under pressure.

2. Gujarat Titans

The Gujarat Titans were the champions in their debut season in 2022. The Ahmedabad-based franchise were the runners-up in the subsequent season but they failed to qualify for the playoffs in the IPL 2024 season. GT will be tempted to sign Harshal Patel at the auction, given his truckload of experience.

Under Ashish Nehra's guidance, Harshal Patel could become the team's game-changing bowling weapon. After finishing 8th last season and missing out on the playoffs, GT will be eager to reinforce their squad, and Harshal could be the X-factor they need.

3. Rajasthan Royals

The Royals failed to make a bid for the second title ever since winning the trophy in the inaugural edition. The 2022 runners-up had a pretty good campaign in the last season, as they finished third in the standings and made it to the playoffs.

However, they fell short in crucial moments against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the play-off match, which gave us a hunch that they required a more lethal bowling lineup. Harshal Patel, who has taken 135 wickets in 105 matches could add firepower to their attack and augment their chances of going all the way in IPL 2025.