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After witnessing 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s debut, the Indian Premier League (IPL) fans might witness another youngster Ayush Mhatre’s maiden appearance in the league. The 17-year-old Mumbai batter became a part of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) camp, replacing Ruturaj Gaikwad’s exit from the tournament due to an injury. In the upcoming game against Mumbai Indians (MI), he might get a chance to play his debut game at his home ground Wankhede Stadium, where he represents his domestic side Mumbai. However, before his upcoming highly-likely debut, the youngster’s 11-year-old video is getting viral in which he can be seen delivering an interview as a six-year-old.
In the conversation with a local channel, he answered several questions but the most impressive part of the chat comes when he is asked what he wants to become in the future, a batsman or bowler. Replying to the interviewer, Mhatre says, “batsman” with an adorable smile on his face. Later, the interviewer also asked some questions to his maternal grandfather. His grandparent revealed that he detected cricketing prowess in his grandson and decided to take the child’s talent further. “Uska talent dekha socha aagey kuch bane yaa naa bane taqdeer ki baat hai, lekin apna farz banta hai unko aagey bhejne ka,” said Ayush’s grandfather Lakshmikant Anand Naik in the clip.
Mhatre had an impressive 2024-25 domestic season for Mumbai, smashing 458 runs in seven matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25. His strike rate was 135.80 in India’s premier List A tournament.
Mhatre might be handed the task to bat in top order
If CSK induct Mhatre in their playing XI against MI, he might be trusted with the responsibility to bat at the top-order. Noting Rahul Tripathi’s underwhelming form, the CSK team management may provide the 17-year-old an opportunity to showcase his talent in the crucial game against arch-rivals.
CSK performed brilliantly in their previous game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and they will look to be at their best against their arch-rivals MI, who have lost their last four games against the Men in Yellow. However, things are likely to be difficult for CSK this time as MI looked sensational in their last two matches.
