Ayush Mhatre, the U-19 captain and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), shared the same stage with Shah Rukh Khan and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Ahead of the IPL 2026, the video sparked a few speculations, as the batter is from the CSK camp, and Shah Rukh Khan is the co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Though, the speculations did not last long, Mhatre and Khan came close because of a felicitation programme. The Mumbai-born, under whose leadership India reclaimed their throne in the U-19 cricket, by winning the previous edition of the ICC U19 ODI World Cup. After Mohammad Kaif (2000), Virat Kohli (2008), Unmukt Chand (2012), and Yash Dhull (2022), Mhatre lifted the Cup as the fifth Indian cricketer.
In a video shared by Instant Bollywood on Instagram, viewers can see Shah Rukh could be seen placing a shawl on Mhatre before receiving a memento from the Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. After handing over the memento, Fadnavis, Khan, and Mhatre posed on the stage for a photoshoot.
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The ongoing marks a special space in Ayush Mhatre’s memory forever. Before heading for the U-19 World Cup, the top order batter was struggling with his form, which was a concern for the team. But he launched himself successfully when the team needed him the most.
In the semi-final and final, he smashed a half-century against Afghanistan and England, respectively. And with the ball in hand, he took 6 wickets with his off-spin. Overall, Mhatre accumulated 214 runs in seven matches at an average of 30.57, including three half-centuries in the competition.
Ayush Mhatre is all set to feature for CSK in the IPL 2026 season
The emerging batter will next make his appearance during the upcoming Indian Premier League season for the Chennai Super Kings. After a brief, but impactful run for the franchise in the IPL 2025, they retained the explosive batter, with a long-term vision.
In IPL 2025, he joined the 5-time League champions, as the replacement of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the CSK skipper who was ruled out the remaining part of the T20 tournament because of an injury. The signing of Mhatre proved fruitful for the team as the young batter clinched a total of 240 runs in seven matches at a stunning strike rate of 188.97, with his best score of 94 (48) against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
IPL 2025 was a huge setback for CSK
Ahead of IPL 2026, CSK unveiled their new Jersey through an official video on their social media account. In the video, along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, new recruit Sarfaraz Khan, and up-and-coming stars like Mhatre and Urvil Patel can also be seen.
CSK fans would like to forget the IPL 2025 season where their favorite team concluded their campaign in the bottom-most position of the points table with only 4 wins and 10 defeats in 14 matches.
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