Ayush Mhatre: The Rising Star of IPL 2025
A Young Talent Emerges
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 4: At just 17 years and 292 days, Ayush Mhatre is already making waves as a promising T20 cricketer. His ability to play stylish strokes and hit the ball across the field showcases the power essential for modern T20 batting.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has been particularly impressed by Mhatre's composure and maturity, qualities he first recognized during trials and has since witnessed during IPL 2025.
Fleming praised Mhatre, stating, “He possesses talent, excellent hand-eye coordination, and a smooth swing. His aggressive style aligns perfectly with what we seek in a contemporary T20 player,” as reported by a Media Channel.
“However, what stands out to me is his temperament and ability to perform under pressure, both in trials and on the grand stage,” he added.
Impressive Debut and Performance
Mhatre has emerged as a bright spot for CSK during a challenging season. He stepped in as a replacement for injured captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was sidelined due to an elbow injury after five matches. Mhatre made his debut against the Mumbai Indians (MI), scoring 32 runs off 15 balls, followed by a solid 30 off 19 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
His standout performance came on Saturday, where he scored an impressive 94 runs off 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), making him the third-youngest player to achieve a fifty in IPL history. Although CSK lost that match, Mhatre's display highlighted his potential as a future star.
A Seamless Fit in the Team
Fleming remarked, “There’s an indescribable quality in his gameplay.” He expressed confidence in Mhatre's skills, noting their initial impressions during trials and early season practices.
Despite being new and young, Mhatre has integrated well into the CSK squad. Fleming mentioned, “Our camp has a relaxed atmosphere, which has always been our approach. He has teammates from Mumbai, like Shivam Dube, who have seen a lot of him.”
“His maturity allows him to fit in effortlessly. It’s not just about how the team interacts with him, but also how he conducts himself,” he added.
A New Generation of Cricketers
This week in IPL 2025 has showcased the brilliance of young players, including 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest to score a T20 century. Fleming is not only impressed by their fearless approach but also by their existing skills.
“It’s truly remarkable,” Fleming stated. “Watching their fearless attitude is extraordinary. They possess the skills to execute against some of the world’s best bowlers, which is quite impressive.”
“Age doesn’t matter; the innings played by these youngsters demonstrate exceptional maturity and a skill set that poses a challenge for bowlers globally,” he concluded.