Harshal Patel returns “home” to Gujarat after 14 years with Haryana

Harshal Patel has signed for Gujarat for the 2025-26 domestic season, ending a 14-year stint with Haryana. The move takes the 34-year-old seamer back to his home state and closer to family life in Ahmedabad, while keeping him available across formats for a team in transition under head coach Ramesh Powar. He will join Gujarat’s pre-season later this month, starting with a tri-series alongside Baroda and Saurashtra.

Born in Gujarat, Harshal began his senior journey there with a List A debut in 2008-09. After the 2010 Under-19 World Cup he shifted to Haryana in search of opportunities, made his first-class debut in 2011-12, and became a pillar across formats. For Haryana he took 246 first-class wickets in 74 matches at 24.02, with 12 five-fors, and helped drive a white-ball surge that culminated in the state’s maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2023-24.

Explaining the switch, Harshal said long stretches away were getting tough and that he wanted to finish his career at home if possible. Gujarat were welcoming, and he’s open to any role the team needs. While he remains a white-ball specialist, he is willing to take red-ball opportunities if picked. He adds that his motivation is simple: the hunger to turn up, bowl 10–15 overs a day over months, and keep improving—irrespective of India selection or IPL narratives.

Harshal hasn’t been a red-ball regular in the last two seasons (seven FC matches) but insists his body is ready for Ranji loads. In the IPL, he remains a steady performer—most recently taking 16 wickets in 13 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad at an economy of 9.80. Back in Gujarat colours, he also wants to mentor younger bowlers alongside senior pros like Axar Patel, sharing tactical know-how from death overs and white-ball roles that have defined his career.

For Gujarat, the homecoming is timely. After key departures from other state setups and the usual churn of a new cycle, a seasoned seamer with leadership experience strengthens both the dressing room and the playing XI. If Harshal’s white-ball nous transfers quickly and his red-ball rhythm returns, Gujarat get a leader of the attack and a hands-on guide for their next generation.