Two-time IPL Purple Cap winner Harshal Patel is set to move from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to the Gujarat Titans (GT) in an all-cash trade valued at ₹4 crore ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The 35-year-old experienced right-arm fast bowler, who was acquired by SRH for ₹8 crore at the 2025 mega auction, will join the Shubman Gill-led franchise, reducing GT’s auction purse by the same amount once finalized ahead of the upcoming retention deadline.
Homecoming & Star-Studded Gujarat Titans Pace Attack
The trade marks a significant homecoming for the pacer, who was born in Sanand, Gujarat, and returned to represent his home state in domestic cricket after playing for Haryana for over a decade:
- Joining Elite Fast Bowlers: At Gujarat Titans, Harshal will bolster an already formidable seam-friendly bowling unit that boasts international stars and pace spearheads including Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Jason Holder.
- Contrasting Stints at SRH: Harshal’s tenure with Sunrisers Hyderabad saw mixed returns. After picking up 16 wickets in 13 matches during IPL 2025 at an economy rate of 9.80, his opportunities dipped sharply in the 2026 edition, where he featured in just five games, went wicketless, and conceded runs at 10.82 per over as SRH leaned on uncapped domestic pacers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain.
A Decorated IPL Career
Having made his IPL debut in 2012, Harshal Patel has established himself as one of the most prolific Indian wicket-takers in the league’s history, accumulating 151 wickets across 124 matches while representing four different franchises—Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Sunrisers Hyderabad:
- 2021 Purple Cap (RCB): Claimed a staggering 32 wickets in a breakthrough season to claim his maiden Purple Cap.
- 2024 Purple Cap (PBKS): Followed it up with 24 wickets for Punjab Kings to secure his second Purple Cap honour.
