Ayush Mhatre, the name may still be new to some ears in the cricketing world, but for anyone tracking India’s youth cricket scene and the rising wave of young talent, it’s one that has quickly become hard to ignore.

Born on July 16, 2007, in the cricket-rich lanes of Mumbai, India, Mhatre was drawn toward the game from a very young age. His journey mirrors the stories of many Mumbai greats before him, hours spent honing technique on the maidans, fierce school-level rivalries, and the relentless pursuit of precision, all of which helped forge his skill and temperament.

Ayush Mhatre Domestic Career

As a child, Ayush Mhatre stood out for his maturity at the crease, even before he entered the structured ecosystem of junior cricket. He was part of Mumbai’s Under-14 and Under-16 squads, often ranking among the top three batters in run aggregates for the season.

His ability to build an innings while keeping the scoreboard moving at a healthy rate marked him as a player beyond his years. Coaches praised not only his talent but also his cricketing intelligence — always aware of the match situation and always adapting. 

His strong performances in the junior circuits earned him his place in Mumbai’s Under-19 squad by the time he was just 16.

Ayush Mhatre’s Ascent in Domestic 

In October 2024, Ayush Mhatre’s domestic career took a significant leap forward when he made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the prestigious Irani Cup, facing the Rest of India. He didn’t take long to make an impression, scoring a composed half-century in only his second match and then registering a career-best 176 in a Ranji Trophy fixture against Maharashtra. 

But it was in List A cricket that Mhatre truly announced his arrival on the national stage. He made his debut on December 21, 2024, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Karnataka. What followed within days of his debut would make headlines across Indian sports media.

On December 31, 2024, in a group stage match against Nagaland, the then 17-year-old Mhatre played an innings for the record books, smashing 181 runs off just 117 deliveries. This made him the youngest player ever to score 150 or more runs in a men's List A match, breaking a record previously held by Yashasvi Jaiswal. The innings was not just about milestones; it was a blend of intelligent shot selection, calculated aggression, and excellent running between the wickets.

In addition to his batting, Mhatre also offered his services as a right-arm off-break bowler. His ability to deliver tight overs in the middle phase made him a valuable dual-asset in limited-overs cricket.

Ayush Mhatre IPL Career

Ayush Mhatre’s consistency and adaptability at both junior and domestic levels soon caught the attention of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. In April 2025, just months after his List A breakthrough, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed him as a replacement for an injured Ruturaj Gaikwad for the IPL 2025 season.

The signing itself signalled CSK’s faith in Mhatre’s talent and temperament, especially given the franchise’s long history of grooming young cricketers. 

Beyond the raw numbers, what has impressed selectors, coaches, and fans alike is Mhatre’s composure at the crease and his willingness to play for the situation. 

Ayush Mhatre Youth Career

Over the years, Ayush Mhatre has solidified his reputation as a mainstay of India’s youth cricket program. He was a part of India’s squad for the 2024 U19 Asia Cup. The very next year, he was handed the captaincy, leading the squad to consecutive runner-up finishes in the U19 Asia Cup 2025.

Under his leadership, the team toured England, winning the Youth ODI series 3-2. The team also travelled to Australia, where they clinched a 3-0 series win and also secured a 2-0 win in the Youth Tests series.

After proving his mettle as a leader, Mhatre was appointed captain of the India squad for the 2026 U19 World Cup, where he led the team to a record-extending sixth title. Notably, he finished the tournament with 214 runs across 7 matches, including crucial half-centuries in the semi-final against Afghanistan and the final against England.

(As of March 2026)