Just a day after being selected into India ‘s Under -19 team to take part in the Asia Cup held in the UAE, Ayush Mhatre, a highly gifted 17 year old batsman from Mumbai scored his second first class hundred in a very aggressive way, helping the team Mumbai to a dominant position during the second Day of a match between Elite Group A Services in the Ranji Trophy, played at the …Air Force ground Palam, New Delhi. The young batsman scored 116 runs off 149 balls with the help of 12 fours and 3 sixes, giving the 43 time Ranji Trophy champion 13 runs lead in the match.
Mhatre also expressed his joy and willingness when he was invited for the trial with the senior talent scout of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with interest to play under the great Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
In response, Mhatre, speaking to IANS, acknowledged the legacy and said he ‘got a call’ from CSK’s authorities for IPL trials, and was keen to play with MS Dhoni. In as much as he expresses elation at the prospect of being dressed in the yellow jersey alongside M.S. Dhoni, there is a sense of matter of factness regarding the turn of events.
“The other day I received a call inviting me for the trials from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) talent scouting team. Certainly, I will attend the trials but right now, my dedicated efforts are concentrated on red-ball cricket. As this happens to be the last game of the first half of the Ranji Trophy season, I wish to end it on the highest note possible,” said Mhatre addressing the media.
Furthermore, he added with optimism, “I cannot definitely state whether I will be roped in the auction, but yes in case I get an opportunity to play for the Chennai Super Kings franchise in the IPL, I will give my best to contribute to the team. To play with the great Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a fantasy for every aspiring cricketer and the day will come for sure in my case. No, he is not for me so far, but let us wait and watch.”
Mhatre’s ascent has been astounding, to put it mildly. Earlier this season, he displayed his abilities with a feat of 176 against Maharashtra at the BKC Academy. His stupendous run has made him an indispensable member of the batting order of Mumbai, and now, with his U-19 selection, he finds himself at the threshold of greater prospects.
Mumbai’s innings started pretty badly against the Services score of 240 with Opener Attacked Angkrish Raghuvanshi (1) and Siddhesh Lad (10) dismissed early by the quick Nitin Yadav which had the team in Shambles at 29 for two. Captain Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed courtesy of Varun Choudhary’s wicket and Mumbai was reeling at a dangerous 69 for three when Rahane was dismissed for 19 runs.
Nonetheless, Mhatre played the principal role in the innings, exhibiting both aggression and control. Assisted by Shreyas Iyer who scored 47 from 46 balls, the pair successively rebuilt the innings after the loss of Mhatre. Fearless Foursome crafted a textured 109-run association in a brisk 104 deliveries, factor aiding the team in the restoration of order.
At the same time, Shardul Thakur, a pace bowling all-rounder from Mumbai, brought the curtains down on Services’ innings by claiming four wickets. Having missed out on selection to the national side for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Thakur displayed his mettle by returning impressive figures of 4 for 46 in 19 overs. Resuming at 192 for six, Services tumble down for 240 with Mohit Ahlawat scoring 76 runs the highest. There were two wickets apiece taken by Shams Mulani and Mohit Awasthi.
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