Urvil Patel reveals how MS Dhoni’s advice helped him smash 13-ball half-century vs LSG

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Urvil Patel equalled the record for the fastest half-century in IPL history as he brought up the milestone in just 13 balls against the Lucknow Super Giants at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

His scintillating knock of 65 runs off 23 balls, with the help of two fours and eight sixes, helped the Chennai Super Kings chase down a challenging 204-run target to move to No. 5 on the points table.

This was Urvil’s first IPL fifty. He had been getting off to flying starts in the last few games, but getting out without converting them into substantial scores. The wicketkeeper-batter said that he spoke to the legendary MS Dhoni about this in the dressing room and the latter advised him to keep a clear head and ‘hit the right ball at the right place.’

“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 he good start? 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,'” Urvil was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Urvil pulled out a note from his pocket after bringing up his whirlwind half-century. It read: “Dad this is for you.” His father remained his support system, especially during his earlier failures.

Urvil said that he was waiting to score his first half-century in the IPL. He mentioned that he dedicated the special feat to his father

“I was waiting for my first 50 in the IPL. And I was emotional because I scored 50 of just 13 balls. I was very emotional, especially for my father. I dedicated the 50 to him,” the 27-year-old said.