CSK's Urvil Patel Achieves Unique Feat During IPL Debut Against KKR
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Urvil Patel made history on Wednesday as during his first appearance for the five-time champions, he became the Indian batter with highest strike rate in a debut Indian Premier League (IPL) innings, lasting 10 balls or more. Urvil reached this accomplishment during his side's match against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. During the game, he made 31 in just 11 balls, with a four, and four sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 281.82. This included two sixes and a four against Moeen Ali and a six and four against Ravichandran Ashwin, marking his ability against spin.
However, this is the second-highest SR by a batter in his debut IPL innings, with the highest being in the hands of former England batter Luke Wright, who made 34 in 10 balls (with six fours and a six) at a strike rate of 340.00 for Pune Warriors India against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Mohali in 2013.
Urvil, who represents Gujarat in the domestic circuit, is known for his high intent and explosiveness. Last year, during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Tripura, the batter star India player Rishabh Pant's record for fastest T20 century by an Indian and overall, second-fastest century in the format, scoring 113* in 35 balls, with seven fours and 12 sixes at a strike rate of 322.86 during a chase of 156 runs.
In 48 T20s, Urvil has made 1,193 runs at an average of 26.51, with a strike rate of 172.15, two centuries and four fifties. His best score is 115*.
After winning the toss, KKR opted to bat first. A second wicket 58-run stand between skipper Ajinkya Rahane (48 in 33 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Sunil Narine (26 in 17 balls, with four boundaries and a six) propelled