New Delhi [India]: After going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, 26-year-old Urvil Patel silenced his critics with a breathtaking performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The wicketkeeper-opener smashed a blazing 113 off just 35 deliveries, including the second-fastest T20 century in just 28 balls, helping Gujarat chase down Tripura’s 156-run target in a mere 10.2 overs.
A Century with Emotional Undertones
Patel dedicated the incredible knock to his father, Mukesh Patel, who has been a pillar of support throughout his career. Speaking about his father’s sacrifices, Urvil said:
“I told him this hundred was for him. He used to wake up at 4 am to take me for practice and even stopped giving tuition to spend more time supporting my career.”
A Journey of Resilience
Urvil’s cricketing journey has been marked by challenges. After being picked by Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2023 for his base price of ₹20 lakh, he didn’t get a chance to play a single match and was released at the end of the season. This year, the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah brought another setback as no franchise showed interest in him.
However, Urvil turned the disappointment into motivation, as he had done before. A year earlier, after being released by GT, he struck a 41-ball century against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the second-fastest List-A hundred by an Indian after Yusuf Pathan.
Learning from the Best
During his stint with Gujarat Titans, Urvil gained valuable insights by observing the likes of Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan. Most notably, veteran wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha became a mentor for Urvil, offering guidance on his movements behind the stumps and technical improvements.
“Wriddhi bhai pointed out areas for improvement in my keeping and helped me focus on the nuances of movement behind the stumps,” Urvil shared.
A Record-Breaking Innings
Patel’s blistering 113 was decorated with 12 sixes, including four consecutive ones off Mandeep Singh. He missed equaling the world record for the fastest T20 hundred by just one ball, a record held by Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan.
A Bright Future Ahead
Urvil Patel’s ability to bounce back under pressure and deliver exceptional performances showcases his resilience and potential. While the IPL stage eluded him this year, his stunning domestic performances might open doors for greater opportunities in the future.