Chennai Super Kings (CSK) young batter Ayush Mhatre has opened up about the leadership lessons he picked up from MS Dhoni, describing how the veteran’s counsel influenced the way he approached captaincy during his India U-19 stint. Mhatre, who recently helped India reach a title-winning run at the U-19 World Cup, also shared what it has felt like to move from watching CSK stars on television to sharing the dressing room with them during IPL 2025.
Key takeaways
- Ayush Mhatre said MS Dhoni offered guidance on how to stay composed while leading, especially when frustration builds during partnerships.
- He revealed he discussed captaincy with Dhoni after the IPL, framing it as his first experience as a skipper.
- Mhatre described playing for CSK—alongside MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shivam Dube—as a personal dream come true.
- He credited CSK’s team culture for making him feel settled quickly despite being new to the setup.
- The batter stressed that his main focus is flexibility and contributing to team success rather than holding a specific batting spot.
- He noted that the modern game’s pace has shaped his mindset, while also highlighting the rise of young stroke-makers in recent years.
Dhoni’s captaincy advice and Mhatre’s leadership mindset
Mhatre recalled that last year he got the chance to play under “Mahi bhai” while serving as captain of the India U-19 team. After the IPL, he said he spoke with Dhoni about captaincy because it was his first time leading a side. In that conversation, he shared that Dhoni advised him to remain calm on the field and avoid making decisions while angry.
The CSK batter added that Dhoni acknowledged how frustration can creep in, particularly when the opposition builds partnerships. However, the key message, as Mhatre described it, was to hold composure for that short window—take a breath, wait for the moment to pass, and then make the right calls. Mhatre said this advice proved especially relevant to his leadership approach during his time as U-19 captain.
A dream CSK dressing room and settling into the team
Beyond cricketing guidance, Mhatre spoke about fulfilling a long-held ambition: representing one of the IPL’s most decorated franchises. He said it feels significant to play for CSK and even more meaningful to share the dressing room with MS Dhoni, Ruturaj, and Shivam Dube. Mhatre noted that he used to watch them on television before joining the team, and now he is living the experience from the inside.
He also explained that, even though he was new to the environment, he quickly felt comfortable within CSK. Mhatre attributed that to the franchise’s culture, saying he did not experience the typical nerves of joining a first-time setup. He described the atmosphere as family-like and said that, while he can be shy when it comes to talking, he feels at ease with teammates once he is around them—sharing laughs and spending time together in and around the team spaces.
Batting role flexibility and adapting to T20’s changing tempo
When discussing his place in the side, Mhatre made it clear that he is not fixated on a single batting position. Instead, he said the priority is to back his natural game and offer value to the team. According to him, the message from the team management was to trust his abilities, watch the ball closely, play according to merit, and contribute as much as possible to help the side win.
Mhatre further reflected on how cricket has evolved, stressing that the increasing tempo in T20 has influenced his approach with the bat. He said he does not necessarily plan to bat in an aggressive manner by default, noting that the overall style of play has shifted in the shortest format. He also pointed out that even in ODIs, aggressive cricket has become more prominent, and that stroke-making skills have improved across the game.
He expressed satisfaction that this development is not limited to established players, adding that in the last three to four years many young batters with clean striking ability have emerged. Mhatre said it is exciting to be given an opportunity at his age, and he reiterated that playing for CSK remains a major milestone. He concluded by saying there is “no room for fear,” and that he intends to keep playing in the same manner he has always done.
Next up for CSK
CSK are set to take on Kolkata Knight Riders at their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium, on Tuesday.
