IPL 2025: CSK signed this wicket-keeper as MS Dhoni’s backup at the end of season

In a move that could shape the future of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the franchise has signed explosive wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel as a replacement for the unlucky Vansh Bedi, who has been ruled out of IPL 2025 due to a ligament tear in his left ankle.

Just when it seemed like 22-year-old Vansh Bedi was on the cusp of realizing his IPL dream, fate played a cruel hand. Named in CSK’s playing XI against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bedi was moments away from donning the yellow jersey for the very first time ever. But a last-minute injury, suffered during warm-ups, meant he never made it to the field, and now, he won’t be part of the tournament at all.

CSK sign Urvil Patel to replace Vansh Bedi

While fans and teammates were left heartbroken, the franchise acted swiftly and smartly by signing Urvil Patel, a name that has been on every talent scout’s radar since he blasted his way into history books last year.

“Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has signed Urvil Patel as a replacement for Vansh Bedi, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament owing to a ligament tear in the left ankle. Urvil, the wicketkeeper-batter from Gujarat, scored the joint-fastest T20 century by an Indian when he raced to his hundred in just 28 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Tripura.

He has played 47 T20 games with 1162 runs under his name. Urvil was a part of the Gujarat Titans in the 2023 edition of the league. He will now join CSK for his base price of INR 30 Lakh,” IPL’s official statement read.

🚨 CSK HAS SIGNED URVIL PATEL FOR IPL 2025 🚨 pic.twitter.com/2LZvu8S3Kr

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 5, 2025

For CSK, this isn’t just a damage-control move. It is a bold step toward building a post-Dhoni future. With MS Dhoni expected to hang up his boots soon, or at least not be around forever, the franchise has been subtly auditioning young wicketkeepers for a while now. And Urvil, with his explosive batting and competent glove work, could be more than just a temporary fix.

The 25-year-old from Gujarat is not your average rookie. When he smashed a 28-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Tripura, cricketing circles across the country took notice. That knock didn’t just make him India’s fastest T20 centurion; it made him a serious contender for bigger platforms, and now, that platform is Chennai Super Kings.

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What makes this development even more intriguing is the timing. CSK are currently juggling between experience and transition, and Urvil walks in at the perfect moment. With MS Dhoni still calling the shots and Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the charge, the franchise has a support system in place for young talents like Urvil to grow without pressure but with high expectations.