Ayush Mhatre has quickly made a name for himself in IPL 2025. Just 17 years old, he was brought into the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad midway through the season after skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to injury.
The youngster has shown why he belongs at the highest level in just a few games. Mhatre was one of the standouts for CSK this season, as he mustered 163 runs in five matches so far. He struck the balls at an impressive strike rate of 181.11.
Ayush Mhatre opens up on the chat with Suryakumar Yadav ahead of maiden IPL stint
But behind this breakthrough moment was a bit of guidance and belief from an experienced player, Mumbai Indians star and India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav.
In an interview posted by CSK on their official YouTube channel, Mhatre shared how it all began. “Surya bhai (Suryakumar Yadav) told me that CSK is looking for you and they will call you. So, be ready,” Mhatre recalled.
That moment stuck with him. “I was mentally ready. After that, Srikkanth sir (CSK head talent scout AR Srikkanth) told me, ‘You have to come for two days. We have to watch you closely.’ I was very excited to give the trials and have the net session with the CSK team.”
So Surya was the one who Informed Ayush about Csk!!!🤯
Shocking!!!😳 pic.twitter.com/RIY9MF3NF7
— AnishCSK💛 (@TheAnishh) May 14, 2025
His standout moment came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 3. He brought the best out of himself by playing a fearless knock of 94 off just 48 balls. It was the kind of inning that instantly put him on the map. The right-hander hit as many as 5 sixes and 9 fours in that inning and unfortunately missed out on a century by just one hit.
Also read: From Rishabh Pant to Glenn Maxwell: Meet the IPL 2025 Scam XI
After his 94-run knock against RCB, Suryakumar Yadav showed his support on social media. “Innings filled with intent, bravery, and fire! The future is here. Remember the name,” SKY posted on X with a photo of Mhatre, along with clap and fire emojis. Mhatre became the third youngest batter in IPL history to score a half-century, doing so at 17 years and 291 days.