Meet CSK latest acquisition who can replace MS Dhoni, smashed fastest T 20 century in ….., his name is……

New Delhi: With just three games left in their IPL 2025 campaign, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made a bold statement despite being out of the playoff race. The five-time champions have announced the signing of wicket-keeper batter Urvil Patel as an injury replacement, marking their third mid-season addition. While MS Dhoni’s future continues to fuel speculation, CSK are clearly focused on avoiding the wooden spoon finish — something they’ve never experienced in IPL history.

CSK Add Firepower with Urvil Patel

CSK’s latest recruit, Urvil Patel, is a hard-hitting top-order batter who etched his name into the record books earlier this year by smashing a 28-ball century, equalling the record for the fastest T20I ton by an Indian, jointly held with Abhishek Sharma. The 26-year-old has been signed for Rs. 30 Lakhs, his base price from last year’s auction where he went unsold.

Patel steps in for Vansh Bedi, who was ruled out with a ligament tear in his right ankle. Although Bedi didn’t play a match this season, he was in the squad for the previous game against RCB but was reportedly pulled out at the last minute after sustaining the injury during warm-ups. He was bought for Rs. 55 Lakhs in the last mega auction.

A Promising Domestic Career

Urvil Patel brings with him a strong domestic track record. The Gujarat batter has featured in 47 T20s, scoring 1162 runs at a strike rate of 170.38 — including two centuries and four fifties. A naturally aggressive opening batter, he also has experience in longer formats, with 423 runs in 10 first-class games and an additional 748 runs in 22 List A matches at an average of 44.

He began his career with Baroda in 2018 but found more opportunities after switching to Gujarat, especially in red-ball cricket. Previously signed by the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 for Rs. 20 Lakhs, Patel never got a game but now has a fresh chance to showcase his talent on the big stage.

Third Mid-Season Replacement for CSK

Urvil Patel becomes CSK’s third injury replacement in IPL 2025, following the additions of Ayush Mhatre (for Ruturaj Gaikwad) and Dewald Brevis (for Gujanpreet Singh). Notably, both Mhatre and Brevis were immediately brought into the XI, suggesting Patel could also feature in the final three matches.

With playoffs out of reach, CSK are clearly looking ahead, using the remaining games to test bench strength and scout for future stars — and Urvil Patel might just be the next name to watch.

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