New Delhi, April 15: Young batter Ayush Mhatre’s journey with Chennai Super Kings has been transformative, especially under the mentorship of MS Dhoni. Mhatre attributes much of his growth to Dhoni, who has significantly influenced his leadership skills, a factor that contributed to India’s Under-19 World Cup win earlier this year.
As the captain of the U-19 team, Mhatre shared insights from his interactions with Dhoni during IPL 2025. He highlighted the importance of these discussions for his development as a leader.
“Last year, I had the chance to play under Mahi bhai. I was the captain of the India U-19 team at that time. After the IPL, I sought his advice on captaincy since it was my first experience. He advised me to remain calm on the field and avoid making decisions when angry. He said, ‘There will be frustrating moments due to opposition partnerships, but if you stay calm and breathe through it, you will make better decisions,’” Mhatre recounted in a video shared by IPL.
The young cricketer also expressed his excitement about fulfilling his dream of playing for one of the IPL’s most successful franchises. He described the surreal experience of sharing the dressing room with players he once admired on television.
“It’s a dream to play for a big franchise like CSK. The opportunity to play alongside Mahi (M.S. Dhoni) bhai, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and (Shivam) Dube bhai is incredible. I used to watch them on TV until last year, and now I’m in the same dressing room. It feels like a dream,” he said.
Despite being new to the team, Mhatre felt welcomed immediately, crediting the team’s culture for a smooth transition.
“I didn’t feel like it was my first time here when I joined last year. I felt at home; that’s the environment. They treat each other like family. I often have fun with my teammates, even though I’m a bit shy. But with them, I feel comfortable,” he shared.
Regarding his role in the team, Mhatre emphasized the importance of flexibility and contributing to the team’s success rather than focusing on a specific batting position.
“There is no fixed role. They encouraged me to back myself and play as I did last year. I just need to watch the ball and contribute to the team’s victories. I’m ready to bat at any position the team requires,” he stated.
Mhatre also discussed the evolving dynamics of modern cricket, noting how the game’s pace has influenced his approach.
“I don’t plan to play aggressively. T20 cricket has changed the style of play. Even in ODIs, aggressive cricket is now the norm. The ability to make strokes has improved significantly. It’s not just the experienced players; many young strokemakers have emerged in the last few years, which is encouraging. Getting this opportunity at my age is incredible. Playing for a successful franchise like CSK is a big deal, so there’s no room for fear. I will continue to play my game,” he concluded.
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. ✍️📚
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