Gujarat wicketkeeper-batsman Urvil Patel has credited his stint with Chennai Super Kings for helping him play with much more faith in his own game. Known for his power, the 27-year-old started the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign with a spectacular 37-ball 119 when he captained Gujarat against Services in Hyderabad on November 26.
His hundred came in just 31 balls as Urvil smashed 12 boundaries and 10 sixes to help Gujarat chase down 183 against Services in just 12.3 overs. It was his third hundred in T20 cricket and came a year after he struck out in the 28th century — fastest by an Indian in T20 cricket — for Gujarat against Tripura.
Urvil shed light on how he came to a deeper sense of success, saying that his efforts and discipline were appreciated during his stint with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
“When you are in CSK or Mr Dhoni’s team, the definition of success and failure changes for you,” said Urvil, who idolises MS Dhoni, in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.
“Just going out and scoring is not an achievement. If I try honestly, that is also an achievement. At CSK, I learned to believe in myself. It sounds simple, but now I really believe in every shot I play more than ever before.”
In the 2023 IPL auction, Patel was picked up by Gujarat Titans for 20 lakhs. Although he did not get a game that season, the selection showed growing interest in his potential.
However, the breakthrough in his franchise career came in 2025. Midway through the season, CSK signed him as a replacement for the injured Vanshe Bedi for 30 million.
He made a memorable IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders, smashing 31 runs off just 11 balls – a blistering cameo that immediately grabbed attention.
He played three matches in the 2025 season and scored a total of 68 runs with a top score of 37. His strike rate of over 212 underlined the sheer power and intent he brings to the crease.
Urvil said his big hitting ability has been carefully crafted and the hard work he puts in gives him more confidence to be more consistent with his risk-taking approach.
“It may not be that difficult to play aggressive cricket, but finding consistency in aggression is a bit tricky. I know if I work hard like this, I will be able to play even better cricket in the future,” he said.
CSK showed faith in Urvil by retaining the wicketkeeper-batsman despite trading Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals.
Urvil has been in good form in the domestic season. Before his blistering hundred in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the big hitter had amassed 346 runs in five matches, including a century, for Gujarat during the first phase of the Ranji Trophy season.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
November 29, 2025
