Dhoni's Wisdom Guided Young Captain
Ayush Mhatre, the successful captain who led India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, has revealed the significant impact of MS Dhoni's mentorship on his leadership skills. Mhatre, now in his second year with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, shared how interactions with the legendary cricketer proved instrumental in his development.
During IPL 2025, Mhatre had the opportunity to play under Dhoni's captaincy. Reflecting on this experience, Mhatre sought advice from Dhoni regarding his own role as a young captain. Dhoni's counsel was simple yet profound: "Stay calm on the ground and never make decisions when angry."
"There will be frustration sometimes due to partnerships by opposition, but if you stay calm for that short period and just breathe and wait for it to pass, you will be able to make good decisions," Dhoni advised Mhatre, a philosophy that evidently resonated with the young leader and contributed to his team's success on the world stage.
A Dream Come True with CSK
Mhatre expressed his immense joy and disbelief at representing a major franchise like CSK and sharing the dressing room with players he once admired from afar. "It is a dream to play and represent a big franchise like CSK," Mhatre stated, adding that playing alongside icons like Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shivam Dube felt surreal.
Despite being relatively new to the professional setup, Mhatre quickly felt at ease, attributing this comfort to CSK's welcoming team culture. He described the environment as familial, fostering a sense of freedom and camaraderie among teammates, which helped him overcome his natural shyness.
Flexible Role and Modern Cricket Approach
Regarding his role within the CSK squad, Mhatre emphasized his adaptability and commitment to team success over personal preferences. He was encouraged to play his natural game and contribute wherever needed, without a fixed batting position in mind. "I just want to play. I don't have any preference for the batting position. I am ready to bat at any position the team wants me to," he affirmed.
Mhatre also touched upon the evolving dynamics of modern cricket, noting the increased aggression in both T20 and One Day International formats. He highlighted the rise of young, talented stroke-makers and his excitement to be part of this new generation. Approaching the game without fear, Mhatre is determined to continue playing his natural, impactful style of cricket for CSK.