Kamal Ghorui
Urvil Patel said a simple piece of advice from MS Dhoni helped him play the innings of his life during Chennai Super Kings’ clash against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. The young batter smashed 65 runs off just 23 balls at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, including eight sixes, and equalled the record for the fastest fifty in IPL history by reaching the milestone in only 13 balls.After failing to convert good starts in earlier matches, Urvil approached Dhoni for guidance while sitting in the dressing room.
“When I spoke to Mahi bhai when I got out early in a couple of matches, we were sitting together in the dressing room and I asked him ‘I’m getting out early, what should I do to convert the good start? He said just one thing, ‘I don’t have any doubt in your skill, whatever doubt is there it is in your mind so just stay clear and try to hit the right ball at the right place,’” Urvil said.He added that Dhoni’s words helped him remove self-doubt and trust his natural attacking game.The innings was especially emotional for Urvil because it was his first IPL fifty. He dedicated the knock to his father, who kept encouraging him despite earlier failures.“I was waiting for my first 50 in the IPL. And I was emotional because I scored 50 of just 13 balls. I was very emotional, especially for my father. I dedicated the 50 to him,” he said.Urvil even pulled out a note from his pocket after reaching the milestone. It read: “Dad this is for you.”Urvil also credited CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for helping him quickly understand the pitch conditions before the explosive knock.The youngster said his batting approach is based on fearless preparation and clean thinking. Though he knew about the fastest-fifty record, his main focus was simply to score his maiden IPL half-century.
