Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially brought in Urvil Patel as a replacement player for the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The announcement came just two days before CSK’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 5. Patel replaces uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Vansh Bedi, who has been sidelined due to a ligament injury to his left ankle.
Urvil Patel, a talented wicketkeeper-batter from Gujarat, has garnered attention recently for his remarkable achievements in the T20 format, particularly during the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He set a record by scoring the fastest hundred in T20 cricket by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 28 deliveries. Notably, he achieved another century in the same tournament, hitting a 36-ball hundred shortly after. Over the course of the season, Patel amassed 315 runs at an impressive strike rate of 229, making him a standout performer.
CSK secured Patel, who went unsold during the initial IPL auction, at his base price of INR 30 lakhs. This move comes as CSK grapples with a series of player replacements this season, following similar signings like Dewald Brevis, who joined in for Gurjapneet Singh, and Ayush Mhatre, replacing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Unfortunately, CSK’s challenges have been compounded as they currently sit at the bottom of the points table and have been eliminated from playoff contention.
This addition could bring a much-needed spark to the team as they look to finish the season on a high note despite the setbacks. Urvil Patel’s explosive batting style may just be what CSK needs to turn around their fortunes in the remaining matches.