New Delhi, April 12: At just two and a half years old, Ayush Mhatre stunned his family with an impressive pull shot while batting with a plastic bat. His father was bowling to him when one particular shot sent the ball flying two houses away. This moment ignited his father’s determination to make Ayush a cricketing superstar. By the age of 17, he made his IPL debut, and at 18, he led India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup.
Ayush’s talent was recognized early on by his father. At five, he enrolled in a cricket academy, and cricket quickly became a significant part of his life. He carried a ball everywhere, practicing whenever he could, even at relatives’ homes. His exceptional skills soon made headlines, with many declaring him “100% gold.”
To ensure Ayush received the best coaching, his family moved to South Mumbai. His father contacted Dilip Vengsarkar’s academy, but they advised waiting until Ayush turned eight. However, after witnessing Ayush’s batting, the coach agreed to evaluate him sooner.
Impressively, Ayush played alongside 12-year-olds at just six years old. Dilip Vengsarkar himself was captivated by the young boy’s ability to hit long shots.
Despite the challenges, including the academy being 80 kilometers away and both parents working, Ayush’s grandfather took on the responsibility of commuting him daily. Ayush would wake up at 5 AM, attend school, and then travel by local train to the academy, returning home by 8 PM. His passion for cricket drove him to practice for an additional 45 minutes each evening.
The year 2024 marked a significant milestone in Ayush’s career. His consistent performance earned him a call-up for the Irani Cup, followed by his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai, where he scored 52 runs. In his second match, he made headlines with a remarkable 176-run innings against Maharashtra.
In IPL 2025, Ayush stepped in for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad and made an immediate impact, scoring 240 runs at a strike rate of 188 over seven matches. His performance in the 2026 Under-19 World Cup as both a player and captain was outstanding, leading India to the title. As he continues to impress in IPL 2026, it is no surprise if we see him dazzling in the Indian national team jersey in the coming years.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
Leave a Comment