SRH set to trade Harshal Patel to GT for INR 4 crore

Sunrisers Hyderabad are set to trade fast bowler Harshal Patel to Gujarat Titans for INR 4 crore in an all-cash deal during the ongoing IPL trade window. The move is expected to be completed before the retention deadline of November 17, 2026.

SRH had picked up Harshal at the 2025 mega auction for INR 8 crore. His time with the franchise has been mixed: he claimed 16 wickets across 13 matches in IPL 2025 at an economy rate of 9.80, but managed no wickets from five outings in IPL 2026 while conceding at 10.82 runs per over. The trade, at INR 4 crore, values him at half his 2025 auction price.

Why does this move suit Gujarat Titans?

For Harshal, the shift carries a personal dimension. He represented Gujarat in domestic cricket and is based in Ahmedabad, making GT a natural destination. He turns 36 later this month, and a move to a franchise with strong local ties could extend his IPL career meaningfully.

GT already carry a formidable pace attack that includes Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Jason Holder. Harshal's variations and death-bowling experience would add another dimension to that group, though the franchise has not publicly stated its tactical reasoning for the acquisition.

GT's interest in Harshal is not new. At the 2024 auction, they bid INR 10.5 crore for him before Punjab Kings secured him at INR 11.75 crore. At the 2025 mega auction, GT again pursued him with a bid of INR 6.5 crore before SRH won the race at INR 8 crore. The INR 4 crore all-cash trade now finally brings him to the franchise that has twice tried to sign him at auction.

If the deal goes through, GT will become the fifth IPL franchise of Harshal's career. He made his IPL debut in 2012 and has since represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings in addition to SRH.

How active has SRH been in this trade window?

SRH have been among the most active franchises in the current trade window. Alongside the Harshal deal, they have acquired T Natarajan from Delhi Capitals. They also completed a four-player trade with Chennai Super Kings that brought Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis to the Sunrisers.

Harshal's career highlights remain significant context for this move. In IPL 2021 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he finished as the season's highest wicket-taker with 32 scalps, a performance that earned him the Purple Cap. He replicated that distinction in IPL 2024 with Punjab Kings, claiming 24 wickets to again finish as the leading bowler of the season. Those two Purple Cap seasons underline the quality GT are banking on, even as his recent returns with SRH have been below those standards.