Arul Patel produced the most sensational start ever during the IPL. Chennai Super KingsA clash against Lucknow Supergiants, breaking records at such pace is rarely seen in T20 cricket.The CSK batsman became the first player in IPL history to hit six sixes in the first eight balls of an innings. By the time he had faced just eight balls, Arrol had already reached 41 not out, comfortably eclipsing the previous best score in IPL history after eight balls, which was 33.What made this feat even more astonishing was the sheer control and confidence with which he decimated the LSG bowling attack. Every loose delivery disappeared into the stands as Arrol put on a fearless display of power hitting that instantly swung the momentum in Chennai’s favour.His explosive start quickly translated into another landmark. Arrol completed his half-century in just 13 balls, equaling Yashvi Jaiswal’s brilliant innings against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023 as well as the fastest fifty in IPL history.Arul’s attack did not stop there. He also registered the highest ever score after the first 10 balls of an IPL innings, reaching 42 not out and surpassing the greatest power hitters in the history of the league.Long before his IPL heroics, Arul had already earned a reputation as one of India’s most devastating domestic batsmen. During 2024/25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored a century for Gujarat against Tripura in just 28 balls, which remains the joint second fastest century in men’s T20 cricket.His brilliant 65 off 23 balls against LSG made him one of the most destructive CSK batsmen of all time in terms of strike rate.Highest strike rate in an innings (minimum 20 balls faced) for CSK348 – 87(25) – Suresh Raina vs PBKS, Mumbai WS, 2014 Qualifier 2282.6 – 65(23) – Arul Patel v. LSG, Chennai, 2026266.66 – 72*(27) – Ambati Rayudu vs MI, Delhi, 2021255 – 51*(20) – MS Dhoni v MI, Bengaluru, 2012 Eliminator247.82 – 57(23) – Dewald Brews v. GT, Ahmedabad, 2025From domestic cricket to the IPL stage, Arul Patel’s rise is now fueled by his uncanny ability to change games in a handful of deliveries.
