Even though Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are out of the IPL 2025 playoffs, their match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) still matters. It’s not just about finishing strong. It’s also about building for next season, and one young player might hold the key: Urvil Patel.
Let’s look at why CSK should open with Urvil in their final game and why it could shape their future.
Urvil Patel: A Bright Spark in a Tough Season
Advertisement
CSK brought in Urvil Patel to replace injured keeper Vansh Bedi. He cost just ₹30 lakh, but his value on the field might be much higher.
In his debut, Urvil walked in at No. 3 and smashed 31 runs from just 13 balls. He hit 4 sixes and played a big part in CSK’s win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Now, CSK should try him at the top. Here’s why.
1. He’s Already a Proven Opener in T20s
Before joining CSK, Urvil had a great run as an opener for Gujarat in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He scored:
- 315 runs in 6 games
- An average of almost 79
- A strike rate of 229.92
- Two centuries, including a 28-ball ton
These are not normal numbers. They show he’s not just in form he’s dominating.
CSK has tried different openers this season Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Shaik Rasheed but none really clicked. Opening with Urvil and Ayush Mhatre could finally give CSK the explosive start they’ve been missing.
Advertisement
And more than stats, it’s about playing him where he’s most confident. He’s an opener by nature. Let him do what he does best.
2. He Solves CSK’s Biggest Problem: Powerplay Weakness
CSK’s powerplay numbers have been poor this year. They’ve hit the least number of sixes only 79 in 12 games. Compare that to the Rajasthan Royals’ 134 sixes, and the gap is massive.
Urvil can fix this. In the SMAT tournament, he smashed 29 sixes in just six matches almost 5 per game. That’s crazy power.
In his IPL debut, he already hit 4 sixes in 11 balls. That kind of firepower in the first six overs can lift the pressure off the middle order and change the whole game plan.
CSK needs a strong start. Urvil can give them just that.
3. He Gives Time to CSK’s Middle-Order Veterans
CSK’s middle order Jadeja, Dube, Brevis, and Dhoni has power, but they often take time to settle.
If the openers don’t fire, these batters are forced to rush, and that doesn’t work out well. But if Urvil gives a quick start, it gives the others time to settle in.
This happened in the match against KKR. CSK were 60/5 early, but because of Urvil’s 31-run burst, the run rate stayed under control. Brevis, Dube, and Dhoni had breathing room to play smartly, even though they batted slowly.
Without Urvil’s start, that game could’ve ended in a loss.
Also Read: UAE Shocks Bangladesh In Thrilling T20I Win
Advertisement