Urvil Patel: The journey of a rising cricket star

By: Bipin Dani

• Urvil Patel, a name that has recently started to echo in the cricketing circles, has an inspiring story of dedication, family support, and unyielding passion for the game. 

Born and raised in Gujarat, Urvil’s journey to cricket stardom is a testament to his hard work and the unwavering support from his family. Urvil Patel followed his 28-ball hundred vs Tripura with a 36-ball century vs Uttarakhand, both in chases. 

He is the first batter to record two T20 hundreds within 40 balls. 

Urvil’s father, Mukesh Patel, a Physical Training Teacher at a high school, shares the emotional rollercoaster the family experienced when Urvil was not selected in the recent IPL Auction. 

“When Urvil was not selected in the IPL Auction, we were all very nervous and so much disappointed that we didn’t eat for two days,” Mukesh recalls. 

The disappointment was shared equally by Urvil’s mother, Geeta, a primary teacher and his younger sister, Tejasvi, who is a third-year medical student.

Despite the setback, Urvil’s determination did not wane. Much like how the legendary Dhoni was known for his milk-drinking habit, Urvil has a unique routine of consuming chana daily. 

“He must have eaten more than three big bags of chana till now. It is said that chana is the food of horses. My son can also run like a horse on the field. At 55, I too can run faster and compete with anyone,” Mukesh adds with pride. 

Urvil’s coach, Prakash Patani, reminisces about Urvil’s obsession with cricket. “Urvil is so obsessed with the game of cricket that he used to practice in the heavy rain also,” Patani says, sharing videos of Urvil practicing in heavy showers. 

This relentless dedication to the sport has been a driving force behind Urvil’s remarkable performances. At 26, Urvil has made a vow to marry only after achieving his dream of playing in the IPL or representing India. 

“Yes, my son wants to build his career first and then think about marriage,” confirms Mukesh. Before going for any match, Urvil always seeks his parents’ blessings. 

A fast-scoring batter, Urvil made headlines five years ago in the Kiran More Premier League in Baroda, where he hit an unbeaten 181 runs, including 19 sixes. His father proudly states, “He is a pure T-20 mould cricketer,” highlighting Urvil’s natural aptitude for the shortest format of the game. 

Adding to his achievements, Urvil recently secured a job through the sports quota in the Income Tax Department and is set to join the Ahmedabad Office on 10. Urvil Patel is not just known for his incredible cricketing skills but also for his love for nature. 

Beyond the cricket field, Urvil is a devoted bird lover. 

He takes immense pleasure in feeding birds and even ants, showcasing his gentle and caring nature. 

This balance between his competitive spirit in cricket and his nurturing side towards nature makes Urvil a truly remarkable individual. 

Urvil Patel’s journey is a shining example of perseverance, family support, and an unwavering love for cricket. As he continues to make strides in his career, the cricketing world eagerly awaits to see more from this promising talent.