MS Dhoni is more than just a cricketer—he’s an emotion for millions of fans and players alike. Over the years, both young and retired cricketers have spoken highly of Dhoni’s calm demeanor and unmatched leadership. Among them is 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, who joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) mid-season in IPL 2025 as a replacement and immediately made an impact with his performances.
Mhatre, like many others, sees Dhoni as a source of inspiration. A viral video captured a special moment where Dhoni was sitting in the dugout beside Matheesha Pathirana. As Pathirana got up, Mhatre quickly slid into the empty seat next to Dhoni. The video shows Dhoni smiling warmly, and the two shared a short conversation—an unforgettable moment for the youngster.
Before joining CSK, Ayush Mhatre had never played a T20 match. He was brought in as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad, and though he had made a mark at the U19 level, stepping into the IPL spotlight was a big leap. Despite the pressure, the teenager didn’t falter and took on the challenge head-on.
Mhatre made his debut against Mumbai Indians, where he impressed with a rapid 32-run knock. He followed it up with a solid 30 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, though his next game against Punjab Kings saw a minor dip with a single-digit score. Still, his talent was evident from the get-go.
That smile on Thala’s face when Ayush came and sat beside him🥹💛 pic.twitter.com/UpyPvmATeG
— Pratik (@PratikCSK) May 27, 2025
His breakout moment came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where he smashed a blistering 94 off just 48 balls. Even though CSK lost the match, Mhatre’s explosive innings earned him widespread attention. Over the course of seven matches in IPL 2025, he scored 240 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 188.97—marking him as one of the brightest young talents to emerge this season.