CSK sign Urvil Patel as replacement for injured Vansh Bedi

Urvil Patel, a 26-year-old Gujarat wicketkeeper-batter, has been signed by CSK as Bedi's replacement. Urvil, who grabbed eyeballs with a 28-ball century against Tripura in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, registered the fastest ton by an Indian and the second-fastest globally in T20s.

He also smashed a 41-ball century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Though overlooked in the IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK invited Urvil, along with Aman Khan and Salman Nizar, for mid-season trials in Chennai on April 27-28. The Mehsana-born impressed with scores of 41 (20) and 50 (20) in two trial matches.

Urvil was a part of the Gujarat Titans in the 2023 edition of the league and he will now join CSK for his base price of INR 30 lakh. 

Dhoni's retirement speculation gains pace as CSK sign wicketkeeper Urvil Patel

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced and witnessed many legends in the 18 editions of the league, but none like MS Dhoni. For years now, every IPL season has ended with fans and experts wondering if it was the last time they saw Dhoni in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) yellow. With IPL 2025 nearing its conclusion, the same question has once again come up, with many believing the news that it might be real.

The 43-year-old who announced his retirement from international cricket in 2020 has continued to feature in the cash-rich league. Ahead of IPL 2024, he passed on the CSK captaincy duties to Ruturaj Gaikwad, triggering the beginning of a change. But Gaikwad’s unfortunate elbow fracture midway through IPL 2025 forced the veteran to return to the leadership role. However, even his return hasn’t helped turn CSK’s fortunes around.

The five-time champions have had a poor 2025 campaign, becoming the first team to be eliminated from the playoff race. The side has managed only two wins in 11 matches. Their concerns have been due to poor auction strategies and inconsistent performance from their senior players. 

The side's reliance on Dhoni, as both captain and wicketkeeper, has prevented young prospects like Vansh Bedi from getting chances. Bedi, a young wicketkeeper-batter, was set to debut against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, before suffering a last-minute injury. Notably, his name was struck out and replaced with Deepak Hooda, and he was later ruled out of the tournament.

The five-time champions, who are often referred to as “Daddy’s Army” due to their reliance on veteran players, have changed their strategy this year, acquiring young players in the auction and handing debuts to players like Ayush Mhatre and Shaik Rasheed.

With Dhoni likely nearing the end of his playing days and his retirement news making headlines, especially after his cheeky comment during the toss against Punjab Kings, “I don’t know if I’m coming for the next game," the franchise may be looking for a potential successor. While Urvil doesn’t have the legendary wicketkeeper's tactical mind, but has the potential to be guided by the Ranchi-born himself. With Dhoni possibly stepping away, now may be the ideal time for CSK to groom a new wicketkeeper.