In the electrifying atmosphere of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 3, 2025, a 17-year-old prodigy from Virar, Maharashtra, came tantalizingly close to etching his name in the annals of cricket history. Ayush Mhatre, playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, delivered a breathtaking 94 off 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Falling just six runs short of a century, Mhatre missed the chance to become the second-youngest player to score a hundred in both IPL and T20 cricket, a record currently led by the 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Despite the near-miss, Mhatre’s explosive knock has cemented his status as one of Indian cricket’s brightest young talents.
A Blistering Performance in a High-Stakes Chase
The IPL 2025 clash between CSK and RCB was a high-octane encounter, with RCB posting a formidable 213/5, thanks to fiery contributions from Virat Kohli (62 off 38), debutant Jacob Bethell (50 off 28), and Romario Shepherd’s joint second-fastest IPL fifty. CSK, languishing at the bottom of the points table with only two wins in nine games, faced a daunting chase. The pressure was palpable, but Mhatre, in only his fourth IPL match, rose to the occasion with a performance that left fans and pundits in awe.
CSK’s chase began cautiously, with just 23 runs in the first three overs. Enter Ayush Mhatre, who transformed the game’s complexion with a stunning assault on Bhuvneshwar Kumar, plundering 26 runs in a single over. His fearless strokeplay included nine boundaries and five towering sixes, showcasing a blend of calculated aggression and remarkable maturity. By the 10-over mark, CSK had raced to 106/2—their best powerplay of the season—largely due to Mhatre’s dominance. His maiden IPL fifty came off just 25 balls, making him the third-youngest player to achieve the milestone in IPL history, trailing only Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14 years, 23 days) and Riyan Parag (17 years, 175 days).
Mhatre’s 94 off 48 balls was a masterclass in modern T20 batting. Highlights included a majestic 98-meter pull shot and two sixes off Shepherd that had the Chinnaswamy crowd on their feet. As he neared his century, the anticipation was palpable. However, in the 17th over, Lungi Ngidi’s well-disguised slower ball deceived Mhatre, who mistimed a lofted shot and was caught at deep mid-wicket. The 17-year-old’s dream of a maiden IPL century—and a place as the second-youngest centurion in T20 history—was cut short by just six runs.
The Rise of Ayush Mhatre
Born on July 16, 2007, in Virar, a middle-class suburb of Mumbai, Ayush Mhatre’s journey to the IPL is a testament to grit and determination. Picking up a bat at the age of five, Mhatre’s early years were marked by 4:15 AM wake-ups and long train rides to practice. His father’s unwavering support and a disciplined routine shaped him into a prodigy. Mumbai chief selector Sanjay Patil, who first spotted Mhatre in a Kanga League match two years ago, likened the then-15-year-old’s composure to a young Ajinkya Rahane. Patil praised Mhatre’s temperament, noting, “His improvisation and timing were superb. Technique can be improved, but temperament sets him apart.”
Mhatre’s talent shone in the 2024 ACC U19 Asia Cup, where he topped India’s batting charts with 175 runs in four matches, including a match-winning 67* against UAE. His IPL call-up came as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, a move that initially raised eyebrows given CSK’s preference for experienced players. However, Mhatre silenced doubters with a 15-ball 32 on debut against Mumbai Indians and a 19-ball 30 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, providing stability to a faltering CSK top order.
His performances have drawn praise from cricketing luminaries. Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan lauded Mhatre’s fearless approach, while ex-coach Ravi Shastri hailed him as one of the future stars of international cricket. Even India’s T20 captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has been a mentor, encouraging Mhatre to embrace the big stage.
A Near-Miss That Stole Hearts
While Mhatre’s 94 did not culminate in a century, it was a selfless innings that prioritized team over personal milestones. Social media erupted with admiration, with posts on X calling him a “gem in the making” and praising his “selfless” approach for going for a six instead of “stat-padding” for a hundred. One user wrote, “TAKE A BOW, AYUSH MHATRE. 94 (48) with 9 fours and 5 sixes. Missed out on a very well deserved hundred here, he set the stage for CSK in the big run chase.” Another noted, “Could’ve easily statpadded his century but 17-year-old bro went for the six. SELFLESS AYUSH MHATRE.”
Despite Mhatre’s heroics, CSK fell short by two runs, with Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 77 off 45 unable to close the gap. The defeat underscored CSK’s struggles in IPL 2025, but Mhatre’s performance was a silver lining. Batting coach Mike Hussey highlighted the positives, stating, “It’s a great opportunity for some guys to get a chance to play in the IPL. Hopefully, they can grab their chances and shore up their spot in the squad for the next few years.”
The Road Ahead: England and Beyond
Mhatre’s IPL exploits have earned him a spot in the India U19 team set to tour England in June 2025, alongside Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The tour, which includes Test and ODI series, will be a crucial platform for Mhatre to showcase his red-ball credentials, having yet to play first-class cricket. Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) views both Mhatre and Suryavanshi as key prospects for the future, with their performances in IPL 2025 earning them this opportunity.
For CSK, Mhatre represents the cornerstone of a post-Dhoni era. With the team out of playoff contention, his emergence offers hope for a rebuild around young talent. His estimated net worth of ₹1–2 crore reflects his rising stock, but Mhatre remains grounded, continuing to live in Virar and train with the same dedication that brought him here.
A Bright Future for Indian Cricket
Ayush Mhatre’s near-century is more than a statistical highlight; it’s a glimpse into the future of Indian cricket. At 17 years and 291 days, he has already broken records and drawn comparisons to established stars. While Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans set a high bar, Mhatre’s consistency—evident in his earlier knocks of 32 and 30—marks him as a player of immense potential.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, Mhatre’s challenge will be to convert his starts into defining performances. His ability to learn from setbacks, as seen after two single-digit scores against Punjab Kings, bodes well. With mentors like Suryakumar Yadav and Ajinkya Rahane guiding him, and a supportive CSK setup, Mhatre is poised to become a household name.
In a tournament dominated by veterans, the rise of teenagers like Mhatre and Suryavanshi signals a generational shift. While the century eluded him on May 3, 2025, Mhatre’s 94 off 48 balls was a statement of intent. Indian cricket fans will be watching closely as this young dynamo continues his journey, with the promise of many more milestones to come.
