Table of Contents
Chennai Super Kings’ chase of 180 against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens was set up for drama. While the crowd waited for Ayush Mhatre’s fireworks, it was debutant Urvil Patel who stole the show. In just 11 balls, Patel smashed 31 runs at a blistering strike rate of 281.82, launching four sixes and a four.
Lesser known facts about CSK’s new signing Urvil Patel
Early life and background
Patel was born on October 17, 1998, in Mehsana, Gujarat. He began his cricket journey in the cricketing heartlands of Gujarat, honing his skills in Palanpur before making a mark in domestic cricket. Patel started with Baroda, making his T20 and List A debuts in early 2018, before transferring to Gujarat ahead of the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season. His consistent performances as a wicketkeeper and aggressive middle-order batter quickly made him a standout in the domestic circuit.
A record-breaking domestic star
Patel’s reputation as a game-changer was cemented in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He scored 315 runs in six innings at a staggering average of 78.75 and a strike rate close to 230, topping the tournament for sixes with 29. His most eye-catching feat: a 28-ball century against Tripura in November 2024, the fastest by an Indian and the joint-second-fastest in T20 history. Patel’s 113* off 35 balls included 12 sixes, propelling Gujarat to a thumping win and etching his name in the record books.
Patel’s versatility across formats
Patel’s domestic credentials extend beyond T20s. He has scored centuries in all three formats within a single season-a rare feat for an Indian cricketer. In the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, he notched his first-class best of 140, demonstrating his ability to anchor innings as well as accelerate when needed. His List A exploits include a 41-ball century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the second-fastest by an Indian at the time.
Also READ: Top 5 wicket-takers for CSK in IPL T20 ft. Ravindra Jadeja
Patel’s story of transfer from Gujarat Titans to Chennai Super Kings
Despite being part of the Gujarat Titans squad in IPL 2023, Patel did not get a game. In 2025, opportunity knocked when CSK needed a replacement for the injured Vansh Bedi. Signed for INR 30 lakh, Patel was thrust into the limelight and immediately justified the faith shown in him. On his IPL debut against KKR, he not only smashed the best strike rate for a debutant (281.82) but also became only the third CSK player to hit a six as his first scoring shot in the league.
Patel’s brief but explosive stay at the crease against KKR was more than just a cameo-it was a statement. With a T20 career strike rate over 170 and a penchant for clearing the ropes, he fits perfectly into CSK’s blueprint for the future. His ability to turn games around in a matter of balls makes him a player to watch as the IPL season unfolds.
Also READ: Fans erupt as Dewald Brevis and MS Dhoni lead CSK’s thrilling win over KKR in IPL 2025
