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Match 53 between CSK and LSG saw Urvil Patel enter the IPL record books. The 27-year-old batter from Gujarat, who plays for CSK, scored the joint-fastest 50 in the history of the tournament. He now shares the record with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who did it vs KKR in 2023. He slammed a 23-ball 65 to help CSK win by five wickets and keep their Playoffs hopes alive. LSG have been knocked out of the race.

How MS Dhoni Orchestrated Urvil Patel’s Assault vs LSG

But the man who orchestrated this assault was someone who was not playing in the game. In fact, he has not played a single match so far. Yes, we speak of MS Dhoni. Urvil revealed while speaking to the IPL website that it was Dhoni’s advice about how to hit the correct deliveries that helped him. Earlier on, Urvil had got starts such as 24 from 12 vs MI and 17 from 9 vs DC but failed to go on. Dhoni told him to get rid of the mental block. Urvil also spoke about how his father’s encouragement got him to where he is and that’s why he shared such a heartfelt gesture when he reached 50.

"After getting out in the last two matches, I sat with Mahi bhai in the dressing room and asked him, ‘Brother, I’m getting starts but getting out. What should I do to convert them?’ Bhai told me just one thing — ‘I don’t have any doubt about your skills. Whatever doubt there is, it’s only in your mind. Just stay clear mentally and try to hit the right ball to the right areas.’" he said.

Urvil Patel’s Father Is His Support System

"I was getting good starts but then getting out. My father was the only one telling me, ‘Son, I really enjoy the way you are batting. Just keep playing like this. Whether you score runs or not doesn’t matter to me.’ I have always played for my father. He kept telling me, ‘Play freely, we don’t want anything from you. We are happy just because you are here.’" he added.

© X/IPL

MS Dhoni Playing an Important Role from the Sidelines

This is not the first time Dhoni has plotted the opponents’ downfall despite not playing. It happened between KKR and CSK when his advice to Noor Ahmad helped the spinner take four wickets to dismantle KKR’s batting. Like Urvil, Noor too was not in good form and Dhoni’s advice worked wonders. He may not be playing on the field but ‘Captain Cool’ is doing his bit from the sidelines. After all, ‘Thala’ for a reason.

Can CSK win IPL 2026?

CSK’s next game is vs LSG once more on May 15. They are currently fifth with 12 points accumulated. If CSK enter the next round, they will have a shot at a record 6th IPL title. If CSK win IPL 2026, they shall own the record of most titles by themselves. At the moment, they share it with MI who have already been knocked out of the Playoffs race. As of now, there are 15 games left and eight teams are fighting for four slots. The league phase ends on May 24 and on May 29 we will know who are in the final. On May 31, the winners shall lift the trophy.