Leicestershire CCC is excited to announce batter Rishi Patel has penned a new two-year deal at Uptonsteel County Ground.

The Chigwell-born opener has enjoyed a productive four seasons at Uptonsteel County Ground since his arrival from Essex in 2021, scoring 4,311 runs in 124 appearances across formats – headlined by a career-best 179 against Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens.

Patel’s returns have featured nine centuries, including a Club record-equalling 41-ball hundred against Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the Vitality Blast last summer, while he also etched his name into Leicestershire’s history books in 2023 after becoming the first Fox to register a century in each format during the same season.

The 26-year-old broke further records that year during a 95-run win at Lancashire, as his mammoth 161 - the highest individual List A score by a Leicestershire player against a first-class county – helped the Foxes set their highest ever 50-over total.

Such achievements earned Patel his prestigious Gold Fox cap, while he also caught the attention of the England selectors, joining the Lions camp in the UAE that winter.

An ever-present in Leicestershire’s 2023 Metro Bank One Day Cup-winning side, Patel was named T20 vice-captain in 2024 – skippering the side on two occasions in the absence of Peter Handscomb.

Discussing his new contract, Patel said: “I’m very excited to commit my future to the Club for a further two years. I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and seeing what we can achieve together."

“I want to help this Club play in Division One and challenge for more trophies in white ball cricket. With the squad we have and the environment we’ve built, those targets are certainly achievable."

“Personally, I know I can provide a lot more output. I’ve enjoyed some special moments but I’m always learning and thinking about what I can do to win games for Leicestershire in all formats.”

Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “Rishi has proven his ability in all forms of cricket for Leicestershire and grown year-on-year to become an integral part of our squad."

“He’s someone who possesses the passion to reach his full potential and is a player that can step up to win matches when the going gets tough. Rishi’s the type of cricketer we want in our changing room, and we’re thrilled he’s committed his future to the Club.”

Patel joins Sol Budinger, Roman Walker, and Alex Green in signing new deals with Leicestershire this winter, while the Club announced Netherlands all-rounder Logan van Beek as an overseas signing for the Rothesay County Championship and Vitality Blast last week.