Who is Henil Patel? The young India U-19 bowler who stunned Australia with six wickets in the second Youth Test — all you need to know.
Henil Patel, the right-arm pacer from Gujarat, is fast emerging as the latest bowling sensation for India’s U-19 cricket team, especially after his standout performances on the ongoing Australia tour. His ability to swing the new ball and strike at crucial moments has not only earned him accolades back home but has also been pivotal in India’s recent youth Test series sweep Down Under.
Stellar performances against Australia U-19
Henil Patel’s star rose in the just-concluded second Youth Test at Mackay, where he played a match-defining role. In the first innings, his disciplined seam and movement claimed three wickets for 21 runs, wreaking havoc on the Australia top order and reducing the hosts to 32/5 before they were bowled out for just 135.
He continued his form in the second innings, picking up another three wickets for 23 runs despite Australia’s battle to recover, finishing the match with six wickets, easily one of the standout individual efforts in the series.
India U-19 won the low-scoring Test with ease, clinching the two-match series 2-0. Patel was consistently trusted with the new ball, setting up pressure and delivering early breakthroughs, both hallmarks that suggest a bright future in the pace-bowling department.
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Recent match highlights
The series in Australia saw Henil rising to every occasion. Across both Youth Tests, he not only picked up wickets but also maintained a miserly economy rate, giving away runs at less than 3.5 per over.
Statistically, in four Youth ODIs leading up to the Tests, he claimed six wickets at an average of 23.8 and an economy below four, establishing his status as a reliable new-ball option in overseas leagues as well.
Roots in Gujarat
Henil was born on February 28, 2007, in the coastal city of Valsad, Gujarat. Coming from a cricket-loving family, Patel’s father introduced him to the sport in his childhood. From the local grounds of Valsad, young Henil’s passion and discipline earned him quick recognition in district tournaments.
He soon shifted to specialised cricket academies, where his ability to move the ball naturally made him the spearhead for his school and later state under-16 and under-19 teams.
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Praise from his coach
Henil’s current coach, Manish Ahuja of the Gujarat Cricket Association, describes him as “fearless under pressure and technically sound for a seamer of his age”.
Former pacer Zaheer Khan, analysing India U-19 series in Australia, highlighted Patel’s “mature control and impressive seam presentation, especially in difficult conditions” as reasons why he stands out among his peers.
Fellow teammate Khilan Patel credited Henil’s meticulous preparation and his willingness to take tough matchups, especially on green tops, as special to his character.
What makes Henil special?
Technically, Henil Patel is renowned for his upright seam, ability to generate late outswing and keep up relentless accuracy for long spells. He is especially adept with the new ball, often breaking partnerships up front and then returning to contain the opposition during middle overs.
His agility in the field and determination to contribute with the bat down the order make him a genuine all-round asset for the U-19 squad.
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