Harshal Patel Returns to Gujarat Ahead of 2025-26 Domestic Season

Harshal Patel Returns to Gujarat Ahead of 2025-26 Domestic Season

India seamer Harshal Patel has officially moved back to his home state of Gujarat for the upcoming 2025-26 domestic season, marking a significant shift in his career after spending over a decade with Haryana. The move allows the 34-year-old pacer to stay closer to his young family in Ahmedabad, a key factor in his decision.

Having completed all formalities, Harshal is set to join Gujarat’s pre-season tri-series later this month, which also features Baroda and Saurashtra. His signing comes shortly after Jayant Yadav’s departure from Haryana, signaling a period of transition for the state’s cricketing structure.

A Full Circle

Harshal’s return to Gujarat is a homecoming in many ways. He was born in the state and made his List A debut for Gujarat in the 2008-09 season after an impressive run in Under-19 cricket. However, after the 2010 Under-19 World Cup, he moved to Haryana due to limited opportunities at home — a decision that proved pivotal.

"Right from 2010-11, almost the entirety of my professional career has been with Haryana. I owe a lot to them," Harshal said. "If that move to Haryana as an 18-year-old hadn't worked out, I would have probably moved to the USA and not played cricket in India."

Since making his first-class debut in 2011-12, Harshal became a key figure for Haryana, especially in white-ball cricket. He has taken 246 first-class wickets in 74 matches at an average of 24.02, including 12 five-wicket hauls. He played a leading role in Haryana’s historic Vijay Hazare Trophy win in 2023-24.

Family First

The fast bowler cited family reasons for the switch, revealing that spending more time in Ahmedabad was a priority. Harshal splits his time between the USA, where he has extended family, and Ahmedabad, where he now lives.

"It was getting difficult for me to be away from the family for long periods of time," he explained. "So I wanted to come back and see if I could finish my career here. Glad I got an opportunity to do that."

Though he had offers from other teams, Gujarat was his first choice. "I asked Anil Patel [Secretary, Gujarat Cricket Association], and he said, ‘This is your home, welcome back.’ That meant a lot to me."

Red-Ball Ambitions Still Alive

While Harshal has primarily been known for his white-ball skills, he is open to playing across formats. "While my specialisation will remain white-ball, I'm more than happy to take any red-ball opportunities that come my way," he said.

Despite not playing first-class cricket regularly over the past two seasons, Harshal is confident in his fitness. “My body allows me to bowl 20 overs in a day. I love the grind. The goal is to play the best cricket I can, for as long as I can.”

IPL Veteran, India Not a Focus

Harshal remains a regular in the IPL, most recently picking up 16 wickets in 13 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2025 at an economy rate of 9.80. However, a return to the Indian team — for whom he last played in January 2023 — is not on his radar.

"My motivation has nothing to do with whether I'll play for India or IPL," he said. "It’s about whether I still have the hunger to train and compete — and I do."

Mentorship Role at Gujarat

Under head coach Ramesh Powar, Gujarat are undergoing a rebuilding phase. Harshal is keen to play a leadership and mentorship role in the side, working closely with senior players like Axar Patel.

"I'm pretty excited to see what I can add to the team's betterment. If I can contribute to the development of players and help mentor them, there’ll be no bigger satisfaction," he said.

With financial security no longer a concern thanks to the IPL, Harshal says his only motivation now is the love for the game. "I want to play this game because I love playing this game. That’s what keeps me going."

Key Stats:

  • First-Class Matches: 74

  • Wickets: 246

  • Average: 24.02

  • Five-wicket hauls: 12

  • IPL 2025: 16 wickets in 13 matches (ER: 9.80)

  • Last India appearance: January 2023 (T20I)

Harshal Patel’s move marks not just a return home, but a new chapter — one driven by purpose, passion, and a desire to give back.