Mumbai, April 14: Rising cricket star Ayush Mhatre shared insights into his inspiring journey and recent experiences with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on JioStar’s ‘TATA IPL: Dream On’, highlighting key moments that shaped his career from humble beginnings to playing at the highest level.
At just 18, Mhatre has already made a mark as an ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup-winning captain, a consistent performer in Mumbai’s domestic circuit, and a member of CSK’s playing XI in the Indian Premier League.
Early Beginnings and Cricketing Journey
Recalling his early days, Mhatre spoke about discovering his passion for cricket while playing near his home in Virar with his father. His journey took a defining turn when he joined the academy of Dilip Vengsarkar, setting the foundation for his professional career.
Challenges and Domestic Breakthrough
Mhatre highlighted the challenges of travelling long distances for matches during his early career, describing physically and mentally demanding routines. His breakthrough came when he was selected for Mumbai’s domestic setup at just 17, sharing the dressing room with experienced players like Shardul Thakur and Ajinkya Rahane, which he described as a valuable learning experience.
IPL Journey and Advice from MS Dhoni
Reflecting on his TATA IPL 2025 journey, Mhatre spoke about going unsold at the auction before being picked by CSK as an injury replacement. He recalled his first interaction with MS Dhoni, who advised him to stay true to his natural game.
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘TATA IPL: Dream On’, CSK’s Ayush Mhatre opened up on the start of his cricketing journey:
“There was a little space outside our house, so my father used to bowl to me. It was with a plastic bat and ball. One day, I hit the ball from our house to the terrace of another house. That day, my father realised that I could play. He didn’t want me to become a cricketer, but he wanted me to be involved in sports in some way or another. He wanted me to have a good diet, stay fit, and get tired so that I wouldn’t use my mobile phone after coming back home. Gradually, I started batting well and my father noticed it. However, cricket wasn’t that popular in Virar at that point. So, my father did some research and admitted me to Dilip Vengsarkar sir’s academy in Mumbai. That’s how the journey began.”
On making his red-ball domestic debut for Mumbai at the age of 17:
“From Virar to Churchgate, there were no seats available on the train, so we had to stand. After that, we had to get to the ground, play, and even after hours of batting, there were no seats available on the return journey either. So, we had to stand again and then walk. It was mentally tough. I was playing in the KSC tournament and my performance there was good. I didn’t even know that I was close to selection. I was in Baroda at the time and got a call from the MCA asking for my T-shirt size and jersey number for the Irani Trophy. I can’t describe what that feeling was like. Mumbai cricket has also played a huge role in my journey, especially in terms of getting opportunities. Making it to the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team at such a young age was a huge achievement, because sharing a dressing room with legends like Shardul da and Ajju bhai, and learning from them, was special.”
On TATA IPL 2025 mega auction and subsequent call-up from CSK as an injury replacement:
“The Asia Cup was going on and the auction was happening side by side. It would have been great if I got picked, but even if I didn’t, I didn’t need to feel bad because I had another big target to focus on, which was the Asia Cup. But as they say, things happen for a reason. I was at the NCA when I got a call from CSK. They wanted to see me bat in the nets, so I had a two-day camp with them. I came back to the NCA and two to three days later, I got another call asking me to be ready and inform my family, as they were completing the formalities. They said I could play the next game against LSG, but I couldn’t get a flight ticket. So, I joined the team in Mumbai. The team was very welcoming. During my first interaction with Mahi bhai, he told me that now that I was selected, I should just play my game, go for my shots but not try to hit every ball, and continue doing what I had been doing for the last two to three years.”
On his cricketing idol and the main goal:
“Rohit Sharma is my favourite cricketer. I have been watching his batting since childhood. He spoke to me very nicely after the game in the IPL. That was the first time I met him. He praised my batting, gave me a few tips on playing the short ball, and urged me to continue playing the way I have been. He even said that I could call him anytime without hesitation, and that really helped calm my nerves. Every young cricketer’s dream is to play for India. The moment of wearing the jersey during the Under-19 World Cup was special. I didn’t take any pressure about carrying a legacy or anything like that. My main goal is to play for India, stay in the team for a long time, and perform. Whether it is the Ranji Trophy or the IPL, wherever I get a chance to play, I want to do well and not focus too much on the results; they will follow automatically.”
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