Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has announced the signing of wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel as a replacement for Vansh Bedi for the remainder of this IPL season.

Urvil’s inclusion follows Bedi’s injury, which has ruled him out indefinitely. Bedi was named in the playing 12 for the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru but was replaced by Deepak Hooda at the last minute. Bedi was signed for Rs 55 lakh at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

In contrast, Urvil went unsold at the same auction, having registered at a base price of Rs 30 lakh. The 26-year-old, however, enjoyed a breakthrough domestic season, including smashing the second-fastest century in men’s T20 cricket — off just 28 balls. His blistering 35-ball 113 for Gujarat against Tripura in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy featured 12 sixes and seven fours, helping his team chase down 156 in just 10.2 overs. He followed it up with another explosive 36-ball century against Uttarakhand in the same tournament. Urvil now features twice among the five fastest Indian centurions in T20s.

Five-time champion CSK, meanwhile, has had a disappointing campaign and became the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention this season. With three matches remaining, MS Dhoni’s side will aim to address its weaknesses and identify a more settled playing XI ahead of the next season.