Meet Ayush Mhatre : India’s Rising Cricket Sensation

Ayush Mhatre was born in Virar, a suburban town near Mumbai, into a middle-class family. His father, Yogesh Mhatre, supported his cricketing passion, quitting his banker job to focus on Ayush’s career. His mother, Jagruti Mhatre, provided emotional and logistical support, with his maternal grandfather and uncle aiding during financial hardships. Details about his mother and siblings are private. Ayush faced challenges commuting 80 km by train from Virar to Churchgate for training. He switched schools—St. Joseph’s, Don Bosco, and Rizvi Springfield (for homeschooling)—to balance cricket and education.

Personal Information

• Full Name: Ayush Mhatre
• Date of Birth: July 16, 2007
• Age: 17 years (as of May 2025)
• Birthplace: Virar, Maharashtra, India
• Zodiac Sign: Cancer
• Batting Style: Right-handed
• Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break
• Role: Opening Batter, Occasional Wicketkeeper
• Jersey Number: 56 (noted during Under-19 Asia Cup, subject to change)
• Instagram: @ayush_m255 (21.8K followers as of April 2025)
• Net Worth: Estimated at ₹1–2 crore (approx. $120,000–$240,000 USD), derived from domestic cricket, IPL contract, and potential endorsements

Cricketing Journey

Ayush started playing cricket at five, showing early talent in local parks. He trained at Dilip Vengsarkar Cricket Academy (ages 5–10) and MIG Cricket Club, both supporting him without fees. At 15, he committed to cricket professionally. Coached by Dinesh Lad and Prashant Shetty, he overcame depression and fitness issues, developing a fearless batting style likened to Rohit Sharma, his idol.

Domestic Career

• First-Class Debut: Played for Mumbai in the 2024–25 Irani Cup at 17, scoring 52 against Baroda and a maiden century (176 off 232 balls) against Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy. In nine first-class matches, he scored 504 runs (two centuries, average: 31.50).
• List A Achievements: In the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored 181 off 117 balls against Nagaland, breaking Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record as the youngest to score 150+ in men’s List A (age: 17 years, 291 days). In seven List A matches, he scored 458 runs (average: 65.42, strike rate: 135.50, two centuries) and took seven wickets.
• Under-19 Career: In the 2024 ACC U19 Asia Cup, he scored 176 runs in five matches (average: 44), including 67* vs. UAE and 54 vs. Japan, and took two wickets in the semifinal. He was India’s top scorer. He led run-scoring in the 2022 U19 series against Pakistan and holds records for the fastest fifty (20 balls) in an ACC U19 Asia Cup match and most wickets by a spinner in a U19 league season (as of October 2023).

Ayush Mhatre : IPL Career

Ayush joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2025 as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad, signed for ₹30 lakhs. He debuted against Mumbai Indians on April 20, 2025, at Wankhede Stadium, scoring 32 off 15 balls (four fours, two sixes, strike rate: 213.33) at number three, becoming CSK’s youngest player at 17 years and 278 days. MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming praised his composure.

Playing Style and Strengths

Ayush is an aggressive yet technically solid opener, with fluent strokes and adaptability, drawing comparisons to Rohit Sharma. He occasionally bowls off-break and has kept wickets domestically. His fielding is exceptional, making him a versatile asset.

Challenges and Resilience

Ayush overcame depression, fitness struggles, and long commutes. His family’s sacrifices, especially his father’s, and his own discipline fueled his rise.

Personal Life

Ayush Mhatre keeps his personal life private, with no details about relationships. He lives humbly in Virar, stays grounded, and engages fans on Instagram. His clean image makes him a potential brand ambassador.

Future Prospects

At 17, Ayush is a top prospect for India’s 2026 Under-19 World Cup team. His domestic and IPL performances, backed by guidance from Rohit Sharma, position him for a potential senior India call-up.

Inspiration

Ayush’s journey from Virar to the IPL highlights talent, hard work, and family support, inspiring small-town cricketers.

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