Follow UsAfter Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad pulled off a sensational rescue act for Maharashtra in the second round of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, his IPL teammate Urvil Patel nearly did the same for Gujarat - but his heroics weren’t enough to prevent a defeat against Bengal.
The wicketkeeper-batter, who joined CSK as a replacement player in IPL 2025 and impressed with a couple of explosive cameos, struck a valiant unbeaten 109 off 124 balls against a formidable Bengal attack featuring Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, and Shahbaz Ahmed.
Chasing 327 in the fourth innings at Eden Gardens, Urvil was the lone Gujarat batter to offer resistance. Batting at No. 3, the right-hander smashed 16 fours and held one end together while wickets tumbled around him.
Gujarat were eventually bundled out for 185, with only Jaymeet Patel (45) and Aarya Desai (13) managing to reach double figures alongside him. It was Urvil’s second first-class century, adding to his already impressive reputation in the shorter formats.
At the other end, it was Shami who made the biggest impact with the ball. The veteran pacer, playing his second consecutive Ranji game for Bengal, ran through Gujarat’s line-up with a spell of 5/38 in 10 overs.
Shami, who hasn’t featured for India since the Champions Trophy in March and last played a Test in June 2023, has now taken 15 wickets in two matches at an incredible average of 10.46.
If he continues this form, a return to the Indian setup might just be around the corner.