Urvil Patel Says MS Dhoni Changed His Definition of Success After CSK Stint

Gujarat wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel says his perspective on success completely changed after spending time with MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings. Retained by CSK for IPL 2026, the 27-year-old has started the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in sensational fashion, smashing a 37-ball 119 — including a 31-ball hundred — to lead Gujarat’s chase against Services on November 26.

The explosive knock, featuring 12 fours and 10 sixes, marked his third T20 century and came a year after his joint-fastest 28-ball ton against Tripura. Urvil said his time at CSK taught him that effort matters just as much as runs.

“When you're in CSK or in Dhoni sir’s team, the definition of success and failure changes,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s not just about scoring runs — giving your honest best every single time is also success. That belief in myself became stronger during my CSK stint.”

Urvil first entered the IPL ecosystem when Gujarat Titans bought him for ₹20 lakh in 2023, though he went unused. His breakthrough came in 2025 when CSK signed him mid-season as an injury replacement for Vansh Bedi. He made an instant impact, smashing 31 off 11 balls on debut against KKR.

Across three matches for CSK in IPL 2025, he scored 68 runs at a strike rate above 212, showcasing raw power and intent. His retention for IPL 2026 — even after CSK traded in Sanju Samson — underlines the franchise’s faith in his growth.

Urvil added that aggressive batting isn’t difficult, but staying consistent in high-risk cricket requires discipline and relentless practice. His domestic form backs that up — before his Syed Mushtaq Ali heroics, he piled up 346 runs in five Ranji Trophy matches, including a century.

With increased self-belief and CSK’s continued trust, Urvil Patel is shaping up as one of Gujarat’s most exciting finishers heading into the 2026 season.