MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) called Urvil Patel, renowned for scoring the fastest T20 century in Indian cricket, for the mid-season IPL 2025 trials. Urvil Patel was one of three players who recently took part in mid-season trials organised by five-time champions CSK, who are already eliminated from the ongoing season. These trials were held in Chennai on April 27 and 28. Meanwhile, Times of India reported that Mumbai all-rounder Aman Khan and Kerala batter Salman Nizar were the other two cricketers chosen to participate in these trials.
Urvil Patel called for CSK's mid-season IPL 2025 trials
Earlier, former India's star batter Wasim Jaffer also confirmed that he has the back room news about Urvil Patel's participation in CSK's mid season trials.
“I’ve heard, I’ve got back room news that CSK have called Urvil Patel, the guy who got a couple of hundreds in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I’m surprised that he was not picked by any franchise," Jaffer said while speaking on ESPNCricinfo.
“I was surprised. Even Ayush Mhatre was picked ahead of him. He’s been asked to trial there, so I don’t know what’s cooking there," Jaffer added.
During his trial innings, Urvil showcased his aggressive batting prowess. In his first innings, he scored a brisk 41 runs off just 20 balls, which included two sixes. He followed this up with an even more explosive performance in his second innings, reaching a half-century in a mere 20 balls, punctuated by three sixes.
Urvil's impressive batting display garnered praise and appreciation from members of the CSK squad who were present to witness the trials. This Gujarat wicket-keeper batter had also been part of an earlier trial conducted by the franchise, which ultimately led to Mumbai cricketer Ayush Mhatre securing an IPL contract with the Chennai-based team.
Urvil Patel etched his name in the record books during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25 by scoring the fastest T20 century by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 28 balls against Tripura. His overall performance in the SMAT 2024-25 was remarkable, amassing 315 runs in six matches at an astonishing strike rate of 229.92. Despite these stellar performances, Urvil has yet to be picked by any IPL franchise, even as a replacement player. Notably, the Gujarat cricketer has prior experience in the league, having represented the Gujarat Titans (GT).
Aman Khan, a pace-bowling all-rounder, has previously featured in the IPL for both the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Delhi Capitals (DC). During the recent trials in Chennai, Aman demonstrated his power-hitting ability by smashing two sixes. Salman Nizar, on the other hand, is yet to make his debut in the T20 tournament. This Kerala batter gained recognition for his consistent performances for his state team in the most recent edition of the Ranji Trophy, where Kerala reached the final.
Meanwhile, CSK will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on May 3