Ayush Mhatre

Ayush Mhatre is a 17-year-old cricket prodigy from Virar, Mumbai, who has quickly risen through the ranks of domestic cricket. A right-handed opening batter and part-time off-break bowler, Mhatre represents Mumbai and was recently signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2025. His selection came after an impressive mid-season trial performance, and he’s expected to join the CSK squad ahead of their clash against Mumbai Indians on April 20.

Born on July 16, 2007, Mhatre’s journey is a testament to dedication and hard work. He would travel daily from Virar to Mumbai with his grandfather, a retired railway employee, to attend practice sessions. His domestic career includes a first-class debut in the 2024–25 Irani Cup, where he scored 504 runs in nine matches with two centuries, including a top score of 176. In List A cricket, he made headlines with a blistering 181 against Nagaland, becoming the youngest player to score over 150 in men’s List A history, surpassing Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record.

Mhatre’s batting style combines aggression with control, drawing comparisons to Rohit Sharma, especially for his signature pull shot. He maintains a strong strike rate while anchoring the innings, making him a valuable asset in limited-overs formats. Though he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, CSK’s faith in his talent marks the beginning of a promising journey. His story, from local grounds in Virar to the big stage of the IPL, is a source of inspiration for aspiring young cricketers.