Urvil Patel produced a sensational batting performance in the Ranji Trophy, smashing an unbeaten 210 off 227 deliveries to power Gujarat to a commanding innings-and-64-run victory over Kerala at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The explosive batter’s maiden first-class double century proved decisive as Gujarat registered an emphatic win, with his aggressive approach leaving Kerala’s bowling attack struggling for answers.
Known for his attacking style and big-hitting abilities, which he previously demonstrated while representing Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, Urvil brought his white-ball instincts into the longer format with remarkable success.
His outstanding innings also provided a timely confidence boost ahead of the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he hopes to continue his impressive form.
Gujarat were facing a challenging situation when Urvil arrived at the crease, but the batter refused to allow Kerala’s bowlers to dictate proceedings.
Instead of adopting a defensive approach, he counterattacked with confidence, playing his natural strokes and gradually shifting the momentum in Gujarat’s favour.
Reflecting on his achievement, Urvil expressed satisfaction at reaching the milestone in a winning effort.
“It was my maiden double century in First Class cricket, and I am happy that it came in a winning cause. I am always an aggressive batter, and I love to play my strokes. When I came in, we were in a spot of bother, but I didn’t want the bowlers to dominate me, so I decided to attack. It was important to get a partnership going and Vishal played beautifully,’’ he said.
Urvil also highlighted the importance of attacking Kerala’s spin bowlers, particularly when they began establishing control over the contest.
The Gujarat batter revealed that his strategy was to prevent the opposition from settling into a rhythm while ensuring his team accumulated enough runs to avoid batting again.
“Kerala spinners were getting into a fine rhythm, so I decided to attack, and I took my chances against Aditya Sarvate. To be honest we didn’t want to bat again on this pitch, so we needed to post a big total, and it was important for me to continue batting till the end. It is a good win for us. I hope to carry this form into SMAT and help my side win the tournament,’’ he concluded.
The unbeaten double century underlined Urvil’s ability to combine aggressive strokeplay with the endurance required in first-class cricket.
With the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy approaching, the Gujarat batter will now look to translate his Ranji Trophy success into another productive campaign in the shortest format.
