He made 240 runs in seven matches of IPL 2025.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) youngster Ayush Mhatre produced a confidence-boosting knock, smashing a blistering half-century for India A in the first unofficial Test against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru on Friday (October 30).
After a string of low scores for India U-19, Mhatre finally found his rhythm, hammering a quick-fire fifty against South Africa A and reaching the landmark off just 46 balls. On his debut for India A, the right-hander eventually fell for 65 off 76 deliveries, an innings decorated with 10 boundaries. His knock put India A in the driver’s seat early on, and bowlers particularly made a remarkable comeback later on the opening day.
In the process, Mhatre stitched together a solid 90-run opening partnership with India’s incumbent No. 3 batter, Sai Sudharsan. However, it was Mhatre who took the attacking role, dominating the stand with a fluent 65 runs to his name.
The innings filled with authority came for a young batter, who had been enduring a lean patch on recent tours to England and Australia for India U-19.
Leading the India U-19 side, Mhatre’s returns in Youth ODIs have been modest at best despite an otherwise stellar initial career. His four runs in the third YODI against Australia U-19 marked his sixth single-digit score in seven matches, managing just 10 runs in a three-match series Down Under.
Earlier, on the England tour, the right-hander’s scores of 1, 5, 0, 21, and 1 compounded his woes. The struggles continued in the Youth Tests against Australia, where he scored just 38 runs in two matches, averaging 12.66, albeit at a strike rate of 146.15.
For a batter who displayed exceptional technique and temperament against the best bowlers in the world in the IPL 2025, this slump was disappointing. However, the 18-year-old hasn’t let his poor run with the bat affect his leadership, continuing to display tactical acumen and on-field resilience as captain.
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With his aggressive 65 against South Africa A, Ayush Mhatre, the second youngest player to debut, has reignited his case for IPL 2026 Retention.
The 18-year-old had endured a tremendous IPL 2025 season, amassing 240 runs in seven matches at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 188.97, including a dazzling 94-run knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
After a lean run in youth internationals, the composed yet aggressive knock will serve as a timely reminder of his flair and ability at the top order. For CSK, who are in a transition phase, Mhatre’s return to form could make all the difference as the franchise finalises its retention list ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
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