Who is Ayush Mhatre? 5 interesting facts about uncapped opener who reportedly impressed MS Dhoni
The Indian Premier League (IPL) serves as a launchpad for young cricketers to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves. One such emerging star is 17-year-old Mumbai cricketer Ayush Mhatre, who is already turning heads with his performances.
A report in Times of India (TOI) indicates that Mhatre's consistent performances have drawn the attention of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) scouts, along with their former captain MS Dhoni, who is said to have shown a strong interest in the young opener’s potential.
In addition, it has been reported that CSK's management has asked Mhatre to attend trials later this month. The trials have been scheduled during the six-day gap between the fifth round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, which concludes on November 16, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, which begins on November 23.
CSK Managing Director and CEO Kasi Viswanath is said to have emailed Mumbai Cricket Association Secretary Abhay Hadap last month, requesting permission for Mhatre to join the trials in Chennai.
As Mhatre continues to gain attention for his impressive performances, we look at some interesting facts about this uncapped opener.
#1 Used to travel 80 km one way by train from Virar to Churchgate for practice
Ayush Mhatre took up cricket at the age of five and would travel nearly 80 kilometers one way by train, from Virar (on the outskirts of Mumbai) to Churchgate (close to Wankhede Stadium), to train at the renowned maidans and work with cricket coaches.
Throughout his journey, Ayush received constant support from his parents. His maternal grandfather and later his uncle played a crucial role, accompanying him on the long trips to the city, ensuring he had the best possible opportunities to chase his cricketing dreams.
#2 Ayush Mhatre made his first-class debut in the 2024 Irani Cup
The 17-year-old made his first-class debut during the 2024 Irani Cup clash between Mumbai and Rest of India (ROI). In his debut innings, the right-handed batter scored 19 runs. Mumbai's Sarfaraz Khan stole the spotlight with an unbeaten 222, helping his team post a formidable 537 runs in their first innings.
In response, ROI managed 416 runs, with Abhimanyu Easwaran falling just short of a double century. He scored 191 off 292 balls, while Dhruv Jurel contributed a solid 93.
Mhatre was dismissed for 14 in the second innings as Mumbai finished at 329/8. Tanush Kotian played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten on 114, as Mumbai defeated ROI based on their first-innings lead and clinched the title for the first time in 27 years.
#3 Scored a fifty in his first innings in the Ranji Trophy
Ayush Mhatre made his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai against Baroda. Batting first, Baroda posted 290 runs in their first innings. Mhatre made a strong start to his career, scoring 52 off 71 balls in his debut innings as Mumbai put up 214 runs.
Krunal Pandya’s 55 helped Baroda reach 185 in their second innings, setting Mumbai a target of 262 runs. However, Mumbai faltered in their chase. Mhatre contributed 22 runs, but the team were bowled out for 177, losing the match by 84 runs.
#4 Smashed a hundred in his second Ranji Trophy game using Prithvi Shaw’s bat
After a half-century in his debut match, Ayush Mhatre took center stage with a brilliant 176 in his second game against Maharashtra. He struck 22 boundaries and four sixes in the first innings, and added 15 runs in the second, leading Mumbai to a comfortable nine-wicket win.
At stumps on Day 1, after his century, Mhatre told reporters that he had borrowed a bat from Prithvi Shaw, and it was with that very bat that he scored his ton. He said (as quoted by Indian Express):
“I had asked for his bat and he gave it to me. I scored a hundred with it today. I have known Prithvi for a long time as he too hails from Virar.”
He has played five first-class matches, accumulating 321 runs, including a fifty and a century.
#5 Has been named in the probables for the Mumbai squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Ayush Mhatre's standout performances have secured him a place in the list of probables for Mumbai's squad for the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Here are the 28 players named in the probables for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Jay Bista, Shreeraj Gharat, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Suryansh Shedge, Ishan Mulchandani, Siddesh Lad, Hardik Tamore (wk), Aakash Anand (wk), Sairaj Patil, Akash Parkar, Shams Mulani, Himanshu Singh, Sagar Chhabria, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Sylvester Dsouza, Royston Dias, Yogesh Patil, Harsh Tanna, Irfan Umair, Vinayak Bhoir, Shashank Attarde, Kruthik Hanagavadi, and Juned Khan.
Mumbai will kick off their campaign with a match against Goa on November 23.