Full Name: Ayush Mhatre
Nickname: Not widely documented.
Date of Birth: 16 July 2007
Age: 17 years (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Walunje (Virar city), Maharashtra, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hinduism (comes from a Marathi-speaking Brahmin family)
Profession: Cricketer (batter, domestic & franchise cricket)
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break (not his primary role, but capability)
Role in Team: Top-order batter / opening or top order for domestic & T20 cricket.
Net Worth: Estimated around ₹1-2 crore (≈ USD 120,000-240,000) by early 2025.
Early Life & Background
Ayush Mhatre grew up in the outskirts of Mumbai in Walunje, Virar, Maharashtra, in a middle-class Marathi speaking family. From a young age he showed huge interest in cricket — he started playing informal matches by age six.
Because he lived some distance from the main cricketing centres, he traveled long distances daily — for example, commuting by train early in the morning from Virar to Mumbai’s cricket grounds. His family and especially his grandfather and uncle supported his journey. Ayush also faced challenges in diet, fitness and mental preparation — his coach guided him to improve his fitness, diet and mental strength in order to succeed at higher levels.
Domestic & Youth Career
His domestic rise has been rapid. He made his First-Class debut for Mumbai in the 2024-25 season. In that season’s Ranji Trophy he scored a maiden century of 176 vs Maharashtra.
In List A cricket (Vijay Hazare Trophy) in December 2024, Ayush smashed an astonishing 181 runs off 117 balls against Nagaland — making him the youngest ever player to score 150+ in men’s List A cricket.
He was awarded the Mumbai Cricket Association’s “Best Junior Cricketer (Under-16)” for his performance in the 2022-23 season, showing his progression through the ranks.
In the youth international arena, he was selected for India U-19 squads, and in May 2025 he was appointed captain of the India U-19 team for an England tour, underscoring his leadership potential.
IPL & Franchise Career
In the IPL 2025 season, Ayush was signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a mid-season replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad. He made his IPL debut on 20 April 2025 against Mumbai Indians, scoring a rapid 32 off 15 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes.
Later he produced a standout innings of 94 off 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2025 season — nearly claiming his maiden IPL century and making waves among senior players.
Playing Style & Strengths
Ayush is a modern top-order batter who combines classical technique with aggressive strokeplay. He demonstrates:
- Excellent timing and balance, especially through cover and square of the wicket.
- The ability to accelerate quickly — his strike rate in youth/List A matches has been high.
- Mental maturity beyond his years — selectors have praised his calm under pressure.
While bowling off-spin is not his primary skill, he has the capability to bowl part-time off-breaks and add value as a fielder and lower-order bat. Coaches note his all-round mindset.
Challenges & Character
Despite early success, Ayush’s journey has not been without hurdles. He had to manage long commutes, financial constraints, and fitness/carrier pressures. He battled issues like diet, fitness and mental stress but overcame them with discipline, family support and coaching.
His humility stands out. Despite rising fame, he remains grounded — still living in Virar and focusing on training rather than spotlight.
Achievements & Records
- Youngest player to score 150+ in men’s List A cricket (181 off 117 balls vs Nagaland, Dec 2024).
- Maiden First-Class century: 176 vs Maharashtra (Mumbai, Ranji 2024).
- Best Junior Cricketer award by Mumbai Cricket Association (2022-23).
- IPL debut at age 17 for CSK and a 94-run knock in IPL 2025.
- Captained India U-19 team on England tour in 2025.
Future Prospects
At just 17, Ayush has already mapped a strong path ahead. Key areas to watch:
- Consistency across formats — maintaining high performance in domestic, List A, T20 and FC.
- International break-through — he is primed for senior India selection if he continues progression.
- Developing his bowling/fielding further to become a genuine all-rounder.
- Leadership growth — as U-19 captain and a premier young talent, his future may include senior leadership roles.
Given his talent, temperament and early record, Ayush is widely regarded as one of India’s most promising young batters of the next decade.
conclusion
Ayush Mhatre’s journey from the maidans of Virar to big stage cricket is a powerful story of early promise, hard work, and rapid ascension. If he continues on this trajectory, he is set to become one of Indian cricket’s next big stars.
