Mumbai’s 17-year-old prodigy Ayush Mhatre continues to impress, scoring a commanding second first-class century against Services in the Elite Group A Ranji Trophy match. His 116 off 149 balls, studded with 12 boundaries and three sixes, gave Mumbai a 13-run lead.
Mhatre’s rise has been meteoric. Earlier this season, he showcased his talent with a marathon innings of 176 against Maharashtra. His consistent performances have established him as a key player in Mumbai’s batting lineup, and now, with his U-19 selection, he is on the cusp of greater opportunities.
Mumbai’s innings began on a shaky note in their response to Services’ total of 240. However, Mhatre anchored the innings, combining aggression with composure. He found valuable support from Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 47 off 46 balls. Together, they stitched a crucial 109-run partnership in just 104 balls, helping Mumbai regain their footing.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s pace bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur delivered an impressive performance, taking four wickets to wrap up Services’ innings. Thakur, overlooked by the national selectors for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showcased his grit with figures of 4 for 46 in 19 overs.
Mhatre’s performance has also caught the attention of the Indian Premier League (IPL) giants Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He has been approached by CSK for IPL trials and has expressed his interest in playing alongside legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
“Yes, I got a call from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) talent scout team for the trials a few days back. I think I will go for the trials, but right now, my focus is on red-ball cricket. Since this is the last match of the first half of the Ranji Trophy season, I want to finish it on a high note,” Mhatre said.
“I can’t say if I will be picked in the auction, but yes if I get a chance to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, I will try to be productive for the franchise. Playing alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni is every youngster’s dream and it will be a dream come true for me. I haven’t met him yet, but let’s see what happens,” he added.
Mhatre’s rise is a testament to his talent and hard work. He is a player to watch out for in the future, and his potential is limitless.
