Just a day after securing a coveted spot in the Indian Under-19 squad for the Asia Cup in the UAE, Mumbai's promising 17-year-old opener Ayush Mhatre smashed an impressive second first-class century to steer Mumbai to a strong position against Services on Day two of their Elite Group A Ranji Trophy match at the Palam Air Force ground here. The young batsman scored 116 off 149 balls, studded with 12 boundaries and three sixes, which gave the 43-time Ranji Trophy winner a 13-run lead in the match.
Mhatre also revealed his excitement over a call-up for trials with the senior talent scout of Indian Premier League (IPL) giants Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and expressed his interest in playing alongside legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Recalling the call, Mhatre revealed to IANS that he had been approached by CSK for IPL inquiries – and expressed his interest in playing with MS Dhoni. While he acknowledges the prestigious opportunity to potentially wear the yellow jersey alongside MS Dhoni, Mhatre remains focused on his immediate goals.
“Yes, I got a call from the talent scout team of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the trials a few days ago. I think I will go for the trials but right now my focus is on red ball cricket. Since then the latest match of the first half of the Ranji Trophy season, I want to end it on a high note,” Mhatre said.
He added with hopeful excitement, “I can't say if I will be picked in the auction but yes, if I get a chance to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, I will try to be productive for the franchise. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is every youngster's dream and it will be a dream come true for me. I haven't met him yet, but let's see what happens.”
Mhatre's rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Earlier this season, he showed his talent with a marathon innings of 176 against Maharashtra at the BKC Academy. His consistent performances have seen him emerge as a key player in Mumbai's batting line-up, and now, with his U-19 squad, he is on the cusp of bigger opportunities.
Mumbai's innings started shakily in their response to Services' total of 240. Opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi (1) and Siddhesh Lad (10) fell early to pacer Nitin Yadav, leaving the team at 29 for two. The situation worsened when skipper Ajinkya Rahane (19) was bowled by Varun Choudhary, reducing Mumbai to a precarious 69 for three.
However, Mhatre anchored the innings, combining aggression with composure. He found valuable support from Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 47 off 46 balls. Together they put together a crucial partnership of 109 runs in just 104 balls, helping Mumbai regain their position.
Meanwhile, Mumbai's fast bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur put in an impressive performance and took four wickets to end Services' innings. Thakur, overlooked by the national selectors for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showed his mettle with figures of 4 for 46 in 19 overs. Services, who resumed their innings at 192 for six, folded for 240, with Mohit Ahlawat top scoring on 76. Shams Mulani and Mohit Awasthi took two wickets each.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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