Young Indian batter Ayush Mhatre has created a massive buzz in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) training camp ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. During a recent interview session at the franchise’s camp, the 18-year-old star shared some interesting details about his cricketing dreams.
The talented youngster recently led the Indian team to a historic Under-19 World Cup victory in Harare. He is preparing for the upcoming domestic T20 tournament alongside his CSK teammates. The right-handed batter is expected to open the batting along with Sanju Samson or skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.
I Want to Bat with Rohit Sharma – Ayush Mhatre
Ayush Mhatre expressed his great admiration for former Indian captain Rohit Sharma. His comments about the legendary opener quickly went viral on social media among cricket fans.
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In a recent video interview posted by CSK, Mhatre answered several quick questions about his personal preferences. When the interviewer asked him to name one batter he would love to bat with, Mhatre immediately took Rohit Sharma’s name.
“Same. I have not batted with Rohit (Sharma) Bhai. I want to bat with him,” the young batter explained with a big smile.
Straight from the BTS
Rapid fire time with Ayush Mhatre 🥳#WhistlePodu #DensideView #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/uAFeoZcc2C— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 8, 2026
During the same interview, Mhatre also stated that the veteran Indian opener is his very first cricketing hero. Rohit’s fans absolutely loved his honest answers, especially since he is currently playing for the rival CSK franchise.
Ayush Mhatre Last Seen in Action During U19 World Cup 2026
Ayush Mhatre is coming into the IPL 2026 season with a lot of confidence after a highly successful Under-19 campaign. He recently captained the Indian team to a massive victory in the U-19 World Cup 2026 final against England on February 6.
After winning the trophy, the young batter became only the sixth Indian captain to achieve the feat, joining famous names like Virat Kohli, Mohammad Kaif, Yash Dhull, Unmukt Chand, and Prithvi Shaw.
The young captain also played a very vital role with the bat during the big final match. He scored 53 runs off just 51 balls, smashing seven boundaries and two sixes. Mhatre scored a total of 214 runs in seven innings at an average of 30.57 and a strike rate of 113.22, including three half-centuries.
Ayush Mhatre to Play for CSK in IPL 2026
Ayush Mhatre will represent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2026. During the 2025 season, he was roped in as a replacement for skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was ruled out midway through the tournament due to injury.
The right-handed batter scored 240 runs in seven matches at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 188.97, including one half-century, with a highest score of 94. Mhatre will be keen to help the Super Kings push for their sixth IPL title.
Chennai Super Kings kicked off their pre-season camp last week in preparation for the 19th edition of the IPL. Since winning their fifth title under MS Dhoni in 2023, CSK have faced two challenging seasons, narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024 and finishing at the bottom last year.
Also read: Not Gautam Gambhir! Suryakumar Yadav following this legend’s orders in T20 World Cup 2026
