Ayush Mhatre, the 18-year-old rising cricket star, leads India’s Under-19 team at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. Born on July 16, 2007, in Nallasopara near Virar, Maharashtra, Mhatre has already achieved remarkable success in his young career. Furthermore, he became a mainstay in Mumbai’s senior team across all formats. His journey from traveling 80 kilometers daily by train to becoming an IPL player and international captain inspires many young cricketers.
The teenager captained India successfully during multi-format tours to England and Australia earlier this year. Moreover, Chennai Super Kings retained him for IPL 2026 after his impressive debut season. His rapid rise demonstrates exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
Early Struggles and Breakthrough
Mhatre started playing cricket at age six but seriously considered professional cricket only at 15. However, his path wasn’t smooth initially. He faced disappointment when selectors didn’t include him in the Top-30 NCA players after poor performances in inter-camp games. Subsequently, this setback led to depression for the young batsman.
Nevertheless, Mhatre refused to give up. He worked hard with his coach Dinesh Lad at GenNex Cricket Academy in Patna. Eventually, the Mumbai Cricket Association gave him an opportunity in the Kanga Cricket League representing Sai Nath Sports Club. Although he scored 51 on debut and missed a century, his performance impressed selectors. Consequently, they selected him for Mumbai’s 2024-25 Irani Cup squad.
Record-Breaking Domestic Career
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| First-Class Debut | Age 17 in Irani Cup 2024-25 |
| Maiden Century | 176 vs Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy |
| List A Record | Youngest to score 150+ runs (broke Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record) |
| SMAT 2025 Performance | 325 runs in 6 innings at 166.66 strike rate |
| Recent T20 Century | 110 off 53 balls vs Vidarbha |
His aggressive batting style attracts attention everywhere. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, Mhatre struck two centuries and one fifty. Additionally, he maintained an incredible strike rate of 166.66, showing his explosive batting abilities.
Learning from Legends
Mhatre credits much of his success to interactions with Indian cricket legends. MS Dhoni, his IPL captain at Chennai Super Kings, taught him valuable lessons about staying calm under pressure. “He told me to be calm on the ground and not to make decisions in an aggressive mode,” Mhatre explained.
Similarly, Rohit Sharma serves as his idol and mentor. Mhatre regularly speaks with the Indian captain about batting techniques. Specifically, he learned the pull shot from Rohit, who excels at this stroke. “I took instructions from him about how he practises the pull shot and the drills involved,” Mhatre revealed.
These conversations with experienced players shaped his mental approach to cricket. Therefore, he handles pressure situations with remarkable composure for someone his age.
Leadership Style
Key Leadership Qualities:
- Enjoys captaincy without feeling pressured
- Makes calm, calculated decisions
- Leads by example with consistent performances
- Maintains positive team atmosphere
- Adapts strategies based on match situations
Mhatre expressed confidence in his captaincy abilities before the Asia Cup. “I enjoy captaincy, so it doesn’t pressure me,” he told reporters in Lucknow. This natural leadership ability impressed the BCCI selectors, who appointed him captain for multiple international tours.
His batting philosophy remains simple yet effective. “I trust my process and play to the merit of the ball. I just see the ball and hit the ball,” he explained. This straightforward approach helps him maintain consistency across formats.
Asia Cup Performance
The Asia Cup began on December 12 at Dubai’s ICC Academy Ground. India opened their campaign against UAE, with Mhatre leading from the front. However, he managed only 4 runs off 11 balls before getting dismissed by Yug Sharma to Saleh Amin.
Despite this early setback, the team management maintains full faith in his abilities. Meanwhile, teammate Vaibhav Suryavanshi compensated with a record-breaking 56-ball century. India’s strong squad depth ensures the team remains competitive even when individual players struggle.
IPL Journey with CSK
Chennai Super Kings picked Mhatre during the IPL mega auction, recognizing his enormous potential. During his maiden season, he impressed everyone with his fearless batting and eagerness to learn. Consequently, CSK retained him ahead of the 2026 season.
Playing alongside legends like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja provided invaluable experience. Furthermore, the CSK coaching staff helped refine his techniques and game awareness. This exposure to top-level cricket accelerated his development significantly.
Family Support System
Mhatre acknowledges the crucial role his family played in his success. “My main support has been the Mumbai Cricket Association. They gave me an opportunity at such a young age,” he said. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to his father and maternal grandfather (nana-ji) for their unwavering support.
His father recognized Ayush’s talent early and encouraged him to pursue cricket seriously. Similarly, his grandfather provided emotional and financial support during difficult times. The family’s sacrifices enabled Mhatre to focus entirely on his cricket career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Technical Strengths:
- Powerful pull shots reminiscent of Rohit Sharma
- Aggressive intent from the first ball
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- Strong bottom-hand dominance
- Fearless approach against pace and spin
Mhatre’s pull shots particularly stand out. Commentators often compare them to Rohit Sharma’s trademark stroke. Moreover, his ability to accelerate rapidly makes him dangerous in limited-overs cricket. Nevertheless, he also shows the temperament needed for longer formats.
Road Ahead
The Asia Cup serves as preparation for the 2026 Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia scheduled for January-February 2026. Therefore, this tournament provides crucial match practice for the entire squad. Selectors will monitor performances closely to finalize the World Cup team.
Beyond age-group cricket, Mhatre aims to establish himself in Mumbai’s senior team permanently. Furthermore, he hopes to continue improving at CSK and eventually break into India’s senior squads. His current trajectory suggests these goals are achievable with consistent performances.
Recent Form
Before the Asia Cup, Mhatre displayed excellent form across tournaments. He scored centuries in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches. Additionally, Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his 110-run knock against Vidarbha, posting “What a player. What a knock” on Instagram.
This recognition from established international players validates Mhatre’s talent. Moreover, it motivates him to maintain high standards consistently.
Ayush Mhatre journey from daily train rides to cricket grounds to captaining India U19 and playing IPL cricket exemplifies determination and talent, with his grounded approach, willingness to learn from legends, and natural leadership abilities positioning him as one of Indian cricket’s brightest prospects for the future.
