Urvil Patel, CricTracker Exclusive Interview - Excerpts:
There were reports that you opted to join CSK over RCB after receiving offers from both teams on the same day. Any reason why you picked CSK?
I grew up watching Mahi bhai. I think that played a soft corner towards CSK. I’ve been watching him play since my childhood, winning IPL trophies. For
the same reason, I picked CSK.
What was your initial reaction after going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction? Who supported you the most during that phase?
My expectations were high during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. I was a bit nervous after I didn’t get a bid. My family’s expectations were high as I’ve been playing for a long time. I wanted to play a level higher, and it was a disappointing moment for me and my family. My 2-3 close friends and family members supported me during that phase, motivating me to focus on the SMAT at that time, and my mind was stable because of them.
Who broke the news to you about your debut, and what was your immediate reaction?
Our match was in Kolkata. I got a call to land in Kolkata. I met Srikkanth sir after reaching the team hotel. He told me then that I would be playing that game at No.3. I was shocked to hear that, as I had just reached the team hotel and got a chance to play. It was a great feeling as my family and I had dreamt of me playing the IPL since my childhood.
The fastest T20 century came from your bat, and it came two days after going unsold in the mega auction. Was it more of a statement to the franchises?
Nothing like that. I am very close to my father. He was very disappointed when I didn’t get a bid in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. I didn’t see him getting disappointed like that in my life. In the back of my mind, whatever I play from them, I wanted to play for my father. Seems like it was a god’s plan. I played my natural game and backed my abilities, backing myself.
You were part of the Gujarat Titans setup in IPL 2023. How would you compare the dressing room environment there with that of CSK?
Both are big franchises as they have achieved success. The dressing room environment was a bit similar as both sides want to bring the best out of the players. We don’t feel the pressure at all. Speaking about CSK, despite the team not playing well this season, there was still no pressure on any player.
After going out all guns blazing in IPL 2025, do you think you deserve a better price tag now?
As a player, I always think of playing for a big franchise like CSK. It’s always about who backed me and gave me the opportunity during my tough phase. For me, this matters the most than money.
Your pinned Instagram post says, 'Setting new milestones every game for the future generations – G.O.A.T.' Tell us your initial emotions after meeting Kohli.
The first time I saw Virat bhaiya was during the league phase of IPL 2023, when he scored a century against GT. Everyone dreams of meeting him, let alone speaking with him — baat toh door ki baat hai. His incredible international journey and relentless hunger for runs inspire us immensely. We’ve learned so much from players like him, and it’s always a proud moment to meet, talk to, and spend time with him.
Do you remember the first salary you received as a cricketer and what you did with it?
I think when I was playing U14 for my state, I got 12,500 INR. My mother requested that money, and we gave the whole amount in a temple.
What was the mood in the dressing room after CSK finished in the bottom-most position in IPL 2025? What message did MS Dhoni give to the team?
Everyone was putting in a lot of hard work, but it didn’t go down as planned. It was a learning experience, and we would like to bring out a new mindset next season. Mahi bhaiya also said that whatever has happened has happened this season, but we will come back stronger next season.
You might have had a lot of conversations with MS Dhoni. What was the best piece of advice you received from him?
Whatever Mahi bhaiya says, that’s advice for us. Our last match was in Ahmedabad, and by god’s grace, I got a seat with Mahi bhai. I had a lot of conversations with him then. He doesn’t use rocket science at all; he always speaks normally about the mindset. I feel it was a learning experience for me to grow as a player to improve my skills.
Is MS Dhoni playing next IPL season?
In a recent interview, I heard that he is going to play. As a CSK fan and a player, I would request Mahi bhai to play because I would love to play along with him. Fingers crossed.
Dhoni is known for his calm and composed nature. Have you seen him lose his cool?
Mahi bhai is always calm and composed. The way we see him on TV is exactly how he is in real life — always steady, always composed.
Rapid-Fire: This or That
Your best friend in the CSK team?
Anshul Kamboj
Powerplay or death overs?
Powerplay
One record you would like to break?
My own record of the fastest century
Cricketing idol growing up?
Mahi bhaiya
Fastest bowler you’ve ever faced?
Gerald Coetzee
MS Dhoni to play till 2030 or win IPL next year and retire?
Fingers crossed, he should play till 2030
One cricketer’s journey that motivates you?
Virat Kohli
Who’s the funniest teammate at CSK?
Dewald Brevis
If you could swap batting skills with one player, who would it be?
Suryakumar Yadav
If not cricket, what career would you have chosen?
Very tough. Currently, I’ve a job in Income Tax. But I’ve not thought about it.
