Ayush Mhatre: A Star on the Rise in Indian Cricket

 India: The buzz of celebration hasn’t stopped at the Mhatre household in Virar ever since the announcement of Ayush Mhatre as the captain of India’s U-19 team for the forthcoming England tour. His father, Yogesh Mhatre, is inundated with congratulatory phone calls, making it almost impossible for him to catch a moment with his son—who, at this very moment, is traveling with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team from Delhi to Ahmedabad.

“We are incredibly excited and pleasantly surprised,” shares Yogesh, speaking exclusively from his home. “We were confident of Ayush’s selection in the squad based on his stellar performance in the U-19 Asia Cup, but this "additional responsibility as captain" came as a delightful surprise.”

A Journey Built on Dedication and Sacrifice

Ayush’s rise in cricket has been powered not just by talent but by the unwavering support of his family. Living in a joint family in a village near Virar, the Mhatres have made immense sacrifices to fuel his cricketing dreams. His uncle, Vijay Mhatre, and his maternal grandfather played a crucial role in his early cricketing days, ensuring he made it to the ground daily despite the long travel distance from their village.

“My brother was relentless in accompanying Ayush to the cricket ground, even when it meant traveling far from Virar,” Yogesh recounts with gratitude.

The sacrifices extended beyond logistics. Yogesh himself left his job at a Sahakari Bank to support his son, while Ayush’s mother, Jagruti, dedicated herself to ensuring he had everything he needed—often waking up at the crack of dawn to prepare meals for their only child.

Rising Through the Ranks with IPL Experience

Ayush’s recent IPL exposure is expected to play a vital role in shaping his leadership for the U-19 team. Sharing the dressing room with Mahendra Singh Dhoni and competing against icons like Virat Kohli has already begun strengthening his confidence. His debut IPL match on his home turf in Mumbai was nothing short of remarkable, facing the Mumbai Indians—a team that featured four Indian captains: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah.

“These experiences will undoubtedly boost his morale for the England tour,” his father says proudly.

A Bright Future Ahead

With a strong foundation built on discipline, sacrifice, and exposure to top-tier cricket, Ayush Mhatre is poised to make a mark not just in the U-19 circuit but eventually in Indian cricket at large. As his journey unfolds, he carries not only his dreams but the aspirations of his family, his mentors, and countless young cricketers who see him as an inspiration.

India will be watching closely as the young leader steps onto English soil—ready to showcase his talent, his resilience, and the values that define his incredible journey.