Young India batter Ayush Mhatre has opened up about a meeting with his idol Rohit Sharma, calling it a “dream day” that stayed with him long after it happened. The moment, he said, turned a long-held admiration into something personal and unforgettable.
Mhatre’s respect for Rohit has been clear for some time. He had previously penned an emotional message after missing out on a spot in a Ranji Trophy match where Rohit, the former India captain, got the nod.
Quick facts
- Ayush Mhatre described meeting Rohit Sharma as a “dream day.”
- Mhatre said Rohit offered guidance after his first IPL appearance against Mumbai Indians.
- Mhatre messaged Rohit ahead of his England tour and Rohit called him directly.
- The two met at Rohit’s residence and spoke for nearly two hours.
- Mhatre later helped India win the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year.
- Mhatre’s IPL 2026 start: dismissed for a golden duck vs Rajasthan Royals.
- Rohit’s IPL form: 78 off 38 balls as Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders in a chase of 221.
Before leaving for England last year, Mhatre finally got his chance to speak face-to-face with the player he looked up to. He explained that it began with a straightforward message, sparked by Rohit’s earlier offer that Mhatre could reach out for guidance after Rohit’s first IPL appearance against Mumbai Indians.
According to Mhatre, he sent Rohit a note from the build-up to the tour and asked for the meeting. He then said Rohit responded immediately, calling him himself and asking what he wanted to discuss.
"So I was about to go on the England tour, and I wanted to speak to him a bit. I messaged him. Then I said I wanted to meet him, so he directly called me himself. He called me from his side and said, tell me what you want to say," Mhatre recalled.
He added that when Rohit asked where he stayed, Mhatre told him he lived in Virar. Rohit then asked whether he would travel from there to meet him, and Mhatre said he was willing to come anywhere just for the interaction.
"He asked me, where do you stay? I said Virar. He said, will you come from Virar to meet me? I said yes, I can come anywhere to meet you, I just want to meet you," Mhatre said.
Two hours at Rohit’s home
Mhatre said Rohit suggested they could simply talk over a video call, but he was determined to meet in person. The next day, Mhatre travelled to Rohit’s residence, where they spent almost two hours talking.
"He said it’s not like that, we can also talk on video. I said no, I want to meet you personally and talk. Then he gave me his home address and I went to his house the next day. I spoke to him for at least 2 hours," he said.
For Mhatre, the biggest takeaway was the amount of time Rohit gave him. He described the experience as “crazy” that his idol was willing to set aside that much time, calling it a dream come true that made the hours feel like they passed quickly.
"I mean, it was crazy that he gave me so much time, that’s a big thing for me. My idol gave me time, so it was a dream for me, a dream day. I didn’t even realise how time passed, 2 hours went by. It felt really good talking to him," Mhatre added.
Since that meeting, Mhatre has gone on to make meaningful progress in his career. Earlier this year, he played a role as India claimed the Under-19 World Cup title.
Yet his IPL 2026 campaign has started on a tough note. Mhatre was dismissed for a golden duck against Rajasthan Royals, a setback that contrasted with the momentum he had carried from his recent success.
Rohit, meanwhile, has begun the season in striking fashion. He produced a blistering 78 off 38 balls to help Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-scoring chase of 221.
For Mhatre, though, the Rohit meeting remains a defining personal milestone—one that continues to motivate him as he builds his path in the game.
