‘Mahi bhai cleared my doubts’: Urvil Patel reveals MS Dhoni’s advice behind historic fifty

Creating one of the most unforgettable moments of IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings youngster Urvil Patel revealed that a crucial conversation with MS Dhoni helped shape his stunning record-equalling knock against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday.

The explosive right-hander lit up the MA Chidambaram Stadium with a breathtaking 65 off just 23 deliveries, smashing eight sixes and equalling the fastest fifty in IPL history with a 13-ball half-century.

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Urvil also became the first batter in IPL history to smash six sixes within the first eight balls of an innings as CSK stormed through the powerplay during their chase.

After struggling to convert promising starts earlier in the season, Urvil revealed that advice from former CSK skipper MS Dhoni, sidelined this season with a calf injury, helped clear his mind before the innings.

“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?’” Urvil said in a video shared by IPL.

“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.’”

The youngster admitted Dhoni’s words removed self-doubt and allowed him to trust his natural game.

“First and foremost, I will thank him for the wisdom he shared. I felt good and it was a good performance and I think he will be very happy,” he added.

For Urvil, the innings carried deep emotional value as it marked his maiden IPL half-century, achieved in historic fashion.

“I was waiting for my first 50 in the IPL. And I was emotional because I scored 50 off just 13 balls. I was very emotional, especially for my father. I dedicated the 50 to him,” he said.

The Mehsana-born batter revealed that his father constantly encouraged him to continue batting fearlessly despite missing out after good starts in previous matches.

“When I was playing for 2-3 matches, I was giving a good start and getting out. Only my father was like, ‘Son, I like the way you are playing. Just keep playing like this. Whether you make runs or not, it doesn’t matter to me. Just play like this.’”

“I have always played for my father. He was telling me to play without any worries. He said, ‘We don’t want anything from you, we’re happy,’” he added.

Urvil’s emotional celebration after reaching the landmark also grabbed attention as he pulled out a handwritten note from his pocket that read: ‘This is for you Papa… It all happened because of the blessings of Jogani Chehar Maa and Goga Sikoter Maa.’

Also Read: Watch: Urvil Patel pulls out emotional note after record-equalling fifty for CSK

Explaining the meaning behind the note, Urvil said: “The note firstly read ‘Dad this is for you’ and then my god. I wrote a Thank You to my god that I am doing this because of your blessings. That was it.”

The youngster also credited CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for helping him quickly assess the conditions before launching the assault.

“When I achieved the feat, Rutu told me that the wicket is good and the ball is coming well, it’s just a little low bounce,” Urvil said.

“Then I saw a ball, and when I hit the first six, I was sure that the wicket was very good. It is coming from a good place and if I get it in my range I will try to hit it 100%. That helps me a lot.”

Urvil further explained that his fearless approach came from extensive preparation and clarity in execution rather than chasing milestones.

“If you look at it, in batting, I have practised fearlessly. I have done a lot of work on six hitting and I am clear in my mind that I will hit the first and second ball that I get. That is how I think.”

Also Read: IPL 2026: CSK chase 204 after Urvil Patel’s stunning 13-ball fifty vs LSG

Though aware of the record for the fastest IPL fifty, the youngster insisted his only focus was finally registering his first major score in the tournament.

“I had in my mind that KL Rahul bhai has hit the fastest 50 in 14 balls but all I wanted was to hit my first ever 50 in the IPL and I was not thinking about being the fastest to it. That is why I tried to take a single a couple of times,” he said.