Mumbai Indians' (MI) victory over the Delhi Capitals (DC) last evening (May 21) was greeted with jubilant scenes at Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) hotel, where the team was having a match screening.
The Faf du Plessis-led side have now qualified for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 playoffs, finishing in the fourth spot, and will now take on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Eliminator on Wednesday (May 25) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Ahead of the game, there were concerns over Harshal Patel's fitness after suffering an injury in the match against Gujarat Titans (GT). The 31-year-old split his right hand's webbing while fielding at the cover position. As a result, he was taken back to the dressing room, where his wound was stitched, and he could not participate in the remaining match.
Speaking to RCB's official YouTube Channel, the fast bowler confirmed that he will be available for the game in Kolkata.
"When I caught that ball on short extra cover, I split my webbing on the right hand. I got a couple of stitches which should come off in three to four days… I think I will be ready to be a part of it (Eliminator)," Patel communicated.
Patel has been du Plessis's go-to bowler in crunch moments, apart from Wanindu Hasaranga. The Gujarat-born cricketer has 18 wickets in 13 games at an impressive average of 19.78, including a four-wicket haul against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Brabourne.
He is just 4 wickets away from 100 IPL wickets. He currently has 96 from 76 games, having played for franchises like the Delhi Capitals (DC) and RCB.
Talking about playoffs, the last time these two sides came head-to-head, the Bangalore-based side won by 18 runs, riding on a magnificent 96 from the former South African skipper.