Ahmedabad: Mumbai’s 17-year-old sensation Ayush Mhatre delivered a scintillating performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, breaking Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record for the youngest player to score 150 or more in List A cricket. Playing against Nagaland at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Mhatre’s breathtaking 181 off 117 balls etched his name in cricketing history.
At just 17 years and 168 days, Mhatre surpassed Jaiswal, who had set the previous record at 17 years and 291 days during his knock against Jharkhand in 2019. Mhatre’s innings, laced with 15 boundaries and 11 sixes, showcased his class and composure, even though the opposition’s bowling attack was relatively weak.
A Knock for the Ages
Opening the innings, Mhatre put up a 156-run partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who scored a quick 66-ball 56. He later added a valuable 50-run stand with Siddhesh Lad before falling for 181. Mumbai posted a mammoth total of 404, thanks to additional fireworks from Shardul Thakur, who smashed an unbeaten 73 off just 28 balls.
Dhoni’s Interest and CSK Trial
Though Mhatre went unsold at the IPL auction, he had already caught the attention of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). According to a report in The Times of India, CSK talent scouts, including MS Dhoni, were impressed by Mhatre’s performances in the Ranji Trophy. The franchise had requested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to permit Mhatre to attend a selection trial at their CSK High-Performance Centre in Navalur.
Contributions to India’s U-19 Success
Mhatre played a crucial role in India’s journey to the U-19 Asia Cup final, scoring 176 runs across five innings at an average of 44. While his consistency earned praise, he was unable to capitalize on the IPL auction, where teams overlooked him despite his talent.
A Star in the Making
Mhatre’s incredible List A performance cements his status as a rising star in Indian cricket. With his record-breaking knock and ability to handle high-pressure situations, the 17-year-old is undoubtedly a talent to watch in the years to come. As CSK’s interest suggests, it may only be a matter of time before he shines on the IPL stage.
