Ayush Mhatre recently shared a heartfelt message with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, describing the team as a "family" that treats him "like a kid". The message was highlighted in the latest content posted by the franchise following their victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 14, 2026. He thanked the fans for showing support to the team and their ‘Yellove’. Mhatre expressed that CSK is more than just a team; it’s an emotion and a bond where he feels deeply supported by the staff and senior players.

In a recent post-match discussion regarding a "retired out" decision against Delhi Capitals (DC), Mhatre earned praise for his selfless attitude, stating the "team comes first" and he was happy to let power hitters like Shivam Dube take over when he couldn't find the boundary.

Ayush Mhatre's documentary at CSK

A recent CSK video featured Ayush Mhatre which is part of a special series titled "Living the Dream at CSK," released on April 14, 2026. In this video, Mhatre delved deeper into his transition from a fan to a key player, expressing that the team has provided him with a sense of security and belonging that makes it feel like home. Mhatre revealed a specific conversation with MS Dhoni regarding captaincy and pressure. Dhoni advised him to "never make decisions when angry" and to stay calm during tough opposition partnerships.

The video emphasized on Mhatre's mindset of playing with "faith in himself over fear," a philosophy he credited to the supportive environment created by the senior CSK players.He explicitly states, "CSK is like a family to me & they also treat me like a kid," highlighting how the franchise culture protects and nurtures young talents.

Ayush Mhatre has emerged as a standout young performer for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since his debut in 2025. Across 12 IPL matches, he has scored 411 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 181.06. Initially signed as an injury replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2025, Mhatre quickly became a permanent fixture in the top order.