Former Indian fast bowler Mohit Sharma praised Urvil Patel’s aggressive approach after Chennai Super Kings registered a five-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.

Sharma shared the same dressing room with Urvil Patel when both were part of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 and the former recalled that the latter used to have a sedate batting approach back in those days.

However, in the last two seasons of the IPL, Patel has batted aggressively for CSK after shifting bases. Patel scored the joint fastest IPL fifty, reaching the milestone in 13 deliveries and went on to score a brilliant knock of 65 runs off 23 balls against LSG in the run chase of 204. 

“I was with Urvil when he was in GT, and at that time, he performed well in the Ranji Trophy, and back then, his focus was to play the long innings. But with time, he has given himself a clear view, that I have to become a T20 player and have to fight for that,” Mohit Sharma revealed on Cricbuzz.

“His role is very clear, he has to take the team forward when he comes into bat. His task is to take the pressure off Samson and Gaiwkad, who usually play the long innings. It is working for him, he has worked hard, and it shows,” he added.

On the other hand, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan said Patel has grabbed his opportunity with both hands for CSK.

“They have revived their season wonderfully. If you see how they started, and where they are now, they are in quite a good situation. Ayush Mhatre got injured, and then only Urvil Patel got a chance, so he has taken full advantage of the opportunity. You expect such an innings from a power batter down the order,” the former pacer said.

Chennai Super Kings will once again take on Lucknow Super Giants at Lucknow on Friday.