joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as an injury replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He became the youngest cricketer to play for the five-time champions when he made his debut at the age of 17 against the Mumbai Indians on April 20.
Youngest CSK Debutant Creates Roar in IPL 2025
Fans who follow Mumbai cricket closely will know the surreal talent that Mhatre possesses. He made his maiden first-class century in the 2024-2025 Ranji Trophy against Maharashtra. Later in the domestic season, the right-handed batter became the youngest player to score 150-plus runs in men’s List A cricket.
After making a mark on his IPL debut, the limelight is on the youngster, as he looks to help CSK turn things around in IPL 2025. However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the 17-year-old from the beginning.
From Virar’s Streets to IPL Stardom Backed by a Father’s Unmatched Sacrifice
The youngster has gone through some lows in his career as well. He has had his battles against depression and also overcame fitness issues. Ayush’s father, Yogesh Mhatre, has been through thick and thin and made some glaring sacrifices to help his son achieve remarkable feats.
Ayush’s coach, Prashant Shetty, revealed some of the struggles that Yogesh went through and the sacrifices he made to help his son embark on his path to glory. Shetty said that Yogesh had left his job as a banker to give more time to his son.
“Ayush’s family is a middle-class household based out of Virar. His father Yogesh would unfailingly accompany him for matches while, at the same time, juggle his responsibilities as a banker. Travelling for nearly six hours with a heavy kit bag daily for playing matches in Mumbai can be very exhausting and difficult. However, Yogesh sir has always been an extremely positive person who is never uttered a single word of criticism for his son. He went to the extent of leaving his job as a banker a year back to devote more time to his son, which is definitely a big sacrifice considering their family is not wealthy,” said Prashant via TOI.
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