Harshal Patel exits IPL 2022 bubble following death of his sister

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fast bowler Harshal Patel has left the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 bio-secure bubble to be with his family, following the death of his sister. 

According to PTI, Harshal left the bubble right after RCB's win over Mumbai Mumbai Indians (MI) in Pune on Saturday (April 9). 

He will however be rejoining the team before the next game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Tuesday (April 12). 

"Unfortunately, Harshal had to leave the bio-bubble due to a death in his family. It was his sister. He did not take the team bus back to Mumbai from Pune," said an IPL source.

"He will be rejoining the bubble before the next game against CSK on April 12."

However, it is not clear if Harshal would have to be in quarantine for some time before mingling with the rest of the squad.

The 31-year-old has picked up 11 wickets from eight T20Is for India after making his debut last year. He finished as the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2021, finishing with 32 wickets at 14.34. RCB, who finished third last season, lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the eliminator ending their chances of making it to their fourth IPL final.

He has started IPL 2022 on the right note as well, having snared six wickets from four matches at 14.66. 

RCB have made an excellent start to the campaign, having won three in a row after losing the first match of the season to Punjab Kings (PBKS). 

Since then, they have beaten KKR, Rajasthan Royals (RR) before beating Mumbai on Saturday night.