In the last one and a half decades, Gujarat has seen cricketers of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel.
Now, 27-year-old Urvil Mukesh Patel is also a player to be watched out for. The state has found a new headline-maker as the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman from Mehsana who hit a 28-ball ton in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). This has turned him into one of the most exciting talents in Indian T20 cricket.
Humble beginnings in Mehsana
Born and raised in Mehsana, Urvil’s cricketing journey began in the dusty grounds of North Gujarat before he broke into the state’s competitive youth circuit. He first represented Baroda, sharpening his skills as a wicketkeeper who could also bat with intent. Later, he shifted to Gujarat Cricket Association, where he found better opportunities in senior domestic cricket.
Coaches recall him as a hardworking player with an uncomplicated approach to batting—“see ball, hit ball”—backed by fast hands and fearless temperament. His small-town roots, family support, and relentless practice helped him climb steadily through the ranks.
Domestic rise and playing style
A right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, Urvil is known primarily for his ability to dominate power play overs. He made his T20 and List A debuts early, and later entered first-class cricket during the 2023–24 season.
Though his early domestic statistics were modest, he was always recognised as a six-hitter with tremendous bat swing. This reputation eventually earned him an IPL contract with Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2023, though he did not get a chance to debut. Despite his growing prominence, he went unsold in the 2025 IPL mega auction.
The 28-Ball century
On Wednesday, playing for Gujarat against Tripura in the SMAT, Urvil exploded into the spotlight by smashing a 100 off just 28 balls—the fastest-ever T20 century by an Indian and the second fastest in world cricket.
His final score, 113 unbeaten off 35 deliveries, included a flurry of boundaries—7 fours and 12 sixes—turning a routine chase into a spectacle. Bowlers were left stunned as Urvil launched into an onslaught of clean, straight hitting and muscular pulls that repeatedly cleared the ropes.
The innings drew comparisons with the early-career explosiveness of Rishabh Pant and Yusuf Pathan, and instantly elevated Urvil into national discussion.
Urvil had also struck another whirlwind century—a 36-ball ton against Uttarakhand—becoming the first Indian to score two T20 hundreds under 40 balls within the same season. His form cemented his position as one of the most dangerous openers in domestic T20 competitions.
He is considered as a batsman who can clear the ropes effortlessly and having an ability, considered rare, to shift gears from ball one. In addition, he is a reliable wicketkeeper as well.
Analysts believe Urvil’s brand of batting suits modern T20 cricket perfectly, and continued consistency could push him into IPL contention once again—and perhaps higher honours.
Despite setbacks like missing IPL selection, he has shown the temperament and skill to remain a long-term prospect for white-ball formats.
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