Urvil Patel smashes 31-ball century, second-fastest T20 ton by an Indian in 1 year
On Wednesday, November 20, 2025, Urvil Patel turned Hyderabad’s Gymkhana Ground into a fireworks display, launching a 31-ball century that stunned even seasoned cricket observers. The wicketkeeper-batter, now with Chennai Super Kings, crushed Services for 119 off just 37 balls — 12 fours, 10 sixes, a strike rate of 321.62 — in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025Hyderabad opener. It was his second fastest T20 hundred in under a year, and the second-quickest ever by an Indian. The twist? He’d already done this before.
A Year of Fireworks
Just 365 days earlier, Patel had smashed a 28-ball century against Tripura in the same tournament — still the second-fastest T20 hundred in global history and the fastest ever by an Indian. That innings had sent shockwaves through Indian cricket circles. But few expected him to top it. Yet here he was, in front of a packed crowd at the Gymkhana Ground, dismantling Services’ bowling with the same ruthless efficiency. He didn’t just match his past feat — he outdid it in context. This time, he did it as captain of Gujarat, guiding his side to an eight-wicket win in 12.3 overs after forming a 174-run opening stand with Aarya Desai (60 off 35).Patel now owns three T20 centuries in his domestic career — all under 40 balls. The 28-ball, the 36-ball, and now the 31-ball. That’s not just consistency. That’s dominance. In the 2024/25 SMAT season alone, he scored 315 runs in six innings at a strike rate of nearly 230, launching 29 sixes — the most by any batter in the tournament. He didn’t just hit boundaries; he turned overs into massacres.
From Domestic Star to IPL Call-Up
His performances didn’t go unnoticed. After being part of the Gujarat Titans setup earlier, Patel was brought into Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 as a replacement for Vansh Bedi. His debut wasn’t fireworks — it was controlled fury. Batting at No. 3 in Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence, he blasted 31 off 11 balls in his first match. Followed by a duck. Then 37 off 19. Not perfect, but electric. The CSK management didn’t blink. They retained him for IPL 2026, betting on his finisher potential. In a league where death-over specialists are gold, Patel’s ability to clear the ropes from ball one makes him a rare commodity."He’s not just a power-hitter," said Mukesh, cricket analyst and contributor to Times of India. "He’s got the temperament. He doesn’t panic under pressure. When he walks in, you feel the game shifts. It’s time for him to wear the India jersey. He’s well deserving."
Why This Matters Beyond the Stats
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is India’s premier domestic T20 competition — a proving ground where future stars are forged. Patel’s performances have turned it into a national talking point. Analysts now compare him to Yuvraj Singh’s 2007 World T20 explosion, or even the early days of Hardik Pandya. But Patel’s consistency is what sets him apart. Two centuries under 32 balls in a single season? That’s never been done by an Indian. Not even by the legends.What’s more, he’s doing it as captain. Leading Gujarat, a team that’s historically lacked explosive top-order firepower, Patel has redefined their identity. He doesn’t just score runs — he changes match dynamics before the fifth over is even complete. The BCCI’s selection committee is watching closely. With India’s T20I squad needing fresh finishers ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, Patel’s name is no longer a whisper — it’s a roar.
What’s Next?
Patel’s next challenge? Proving he can handle international pace and variation. Domestic T20s often feature spin-heavy, slower pitches. International cricket demands adaptability — especially against Yorkers, bouncers, and yorker variations. But if his IPL 2025 cameo is any indicator, he’s learning fast. His 11-ball 31 against CSK? That wasn’t luck. That was a statement.Expect his name to be on the shortlist for India’s next T20I squad — possibly even the upcoming series against Australia or South Africa. The selectors won’t ignore someone who’s clocked two of the three fastest T20 centuries by an Indian in 12 months. And if he carries this form into IPL 2026, he won’t just be a squad player. He’ll be a star.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Urvil Patel’s 31-ball century rank globally?
Patel’s 31-ball century is the second-fastest ever by an Indian and ranks among the top five fastest T20 centuries worldwide. Only two players — South Africa’s David Miller (12 balls) and Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai (17 balls) — have recorded faster T20 hundreds in professional cricket. Patel’s 28-ball century from 2024 remains the second-fastest ever by an Indian and the fastest in T20 history for a non-Test-playing nation.
Why was Patel retained by Chennai Super Kings despite a mixed IPL 2025 performance?
CSK retained Patel because his domestic form — especially his two record-breaking centuries — proved he has game-changing potential in the final overs. His IPL 2025 stats were inconsistent, but his ability to accelerate from ball one, combined with his leadership and calmness under pressure, made him too valuable to lose. The franchise sees him as a future finisher, not just a backup batter.
What makes Patel different from other power-hitters in Indian domestic cricket?
Unlike many big-hitters who rely on brute strength, Patel combines timing, shot selection, and explosive power. He doesn’t just clear the boundary — he finds gaps and exploits them. His strike rate of 321.62 in his 119-run knock wasn’t just about sixes; it was precision. He’s also the only Indian batter to score three T20 centuries under 40 balls in his career — a feat unmatched in domestic history.
Is Patel likely to be selected for India’s T20I team soon?
Yes. Cricket analyst Mukesh and former players have publicly urged the BCCI to fast-track him. With India needing a finisher after the retirement of MS Dhoni and inconsistent performances from current options, Patel’s proven ability to dismantle attacks in under 20 balls makes him a prime candidate for the 2026 T20 World Cup squad. His inclusion could be confirmed as early as the next home series against Australia.
How has Patel’s leadership impacted Gujarat’s team performance?
As captain, Patel has transformed Gujarat from a middle-tier side into a T20 powerhouse. In the 2024/25 SMAT season, Gujarat reached the semifinals for the first time in five years, largely thanks to his opening partnerships and ability to set the tone. His leadership brings calm under pressure, and teammates now play with confidence knowing they have a finisher at the top.
What records does Urvil Patel hold in Indian domestic T20 cricket?
Patel holds the record for the two fastest T20 centuries by an Indian: 28 balls (vs Tripura, 2024) and 31 balls (vs Services, 2025). He’s also the only Indian batter to score three T20 centuries under 40 balls in his career. In the 2024/25 SMAT season, he hit the most sixes (29) and had the highest strike rate (nearly 230) among batters with over 200 runs.
