CHENNAI: Urvil Patel made an immediate statement after being drafted into the XI as a like-for-like replacement for the injured Ayush Mhatre. He struck at 282.6, smashing 65 runs off just 23 balls on Sunday, with a tidy mix of 2 fours and 8 sixes.
His innings included a sensational 13-ball fifty that sent Chepauk into a frenzy. Jamie Overton, however, framed it as the sort of output Urvil routinely brings, insisting it wasn’t a surprise for the dressing room.
Overton on Urvil’s mindset
“That’s just how Urvil plays,” said Overton, the Player of the Match. He added that the same aggression shows up in training as well, suggesting the match innings was only a matter of time. Overton also pointed to one small moment after a boundary sequence, noting how Urvil reacted after striking a four following a run of sixes.
“What stood out was him being disappointed after hitting a four following six sixes in a row,” Overton said. “That sums up how these youngsters think — they take it on from ball one and aren’t afraid.” Alongside the batting impact, Urvil contributed with the ball too, taking three key wickets.
Urvil credits Ruturaj Gaikwad’s backing
Urvil, though, kept the focus on the support he received in the middle. He credited captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for giving him space to play without overthinking, particularly during a crucial 81-run partnership.
“There wasn’t much going through my mind,” Urvil said. “I just wanted to bat according to the situation. Rutu only said the wicket was a bit low and to be ready for it. Otherwise, he let me play my natural game.”
The Chennai surge came with another standout knock happening at the same time. Lucknow Super Giants’ Josh Inglis responded with a sparkling 85 off 33 balls, striking with the kind of tempo that can flip a chase quickly.
Even so, it was the way CSK managed the pressure that left the final impression. Opposition captain Rishabh Pant highlighted the shared theme from both innings — the need for someone to seize control early — but felt the hosts finished with better composure.
“Urvil played an unbelievable knock, much like Inglis did for us,” Pant said. “We knew someone had to take charge in the powerplay. In the end, CSK held their nerves better.”
Quick facts
- Urvil Patel was drafted into the XI as a replacement for the injured Ayush Mhatre.
- Urvil scored 65 off 23 balls (2 fours, 8 sixes) at a strike rate of 282.6.
- He recorded a 13-ball half-century.
- Jamie Overton praised Urvil’s approach and noted the same mindset in training.
- Urvil took three key wickets.
- Urvil credited captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for freedom during an 81-run stand.
- Josh Inglis scored 85 off 33 balls for Lucknow Super Giants.
- Rishabh Pant said CSK held their nerves better after early momentum from both sides.
