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"Definitely a leader": Mumbai Coach’s Bold Claim On Ayush Mhatre After U19 Captaincy Nod

Kaushik Kashyap

Omkar Salvi and Ayush Mhatre. [Rcbianofficial/accmedia/x.com]Omkar Salvi and Ayush Mhatre. [Rcbianofficial/accmedia/x.com]

Ayush Mhatre is having a year to remember. The 17-year-old Mumbai prodigy has burst onto the big stage, making a statement in IPL 2025 with Chennai Super Kings and now earning the captaincy of the India U-19 squad for the upcoming tour of England in June.

Ayush Mhatre, who had already donned the national jersey during last year’s Asia Cup, will now lead the team in five One Day matches and two unofficial Tests in England. His performances in the IPL, particularly a stunning knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he took on world-class bowlers with ease, have cemented his reputation as one of India’s brightest young talents around.

The innings was a near match-winner, drawing attention from all over the country and sparking chants of his name in packed stadiums. Mhatre has been a standout figure in Mumbai cricket circles for years, known for his calm temperament and classy shots with the bat.

Omkar Salvi Backs Ayush Mhatre as Future Leader

Mumbai men’s coach Omkar Salvi, speaking to The Times of India, lauded the youngster’s discipline and calmness, calling him “a future leader” to look forward to.

"Ayush Mhatre is a lovely kid who has got a very calm head on his shoulders. Being around him in the dressing room gave me the feeling that he is someone who can definitely be a leader,” Salvi told TOI.

Mhatre has already debuted in first-class cricket and represented Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy under Salvi, who has closely followed his rise through the ranks in domestic cricket and gave assurance that he will lead India U19 well.

“He's very confident of himself and also a self-assured team man and that is going to keep this India Under-19 team in good stead,” Salvi added.

Adding further excitement to the U-19 squad is 14-year-old Rajasthan Royals sensation from Bihar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who is another prodigious talent already making waves in the cricketing world.

Mhatre's Got the Nation Watching

As the team prepares for the big England tour, all eyes will be on Mhatre to lead from the front and inspire his teammates. With talent, temperament, and leadership all on display, 2025 may just be the year that launched the CSK opener into cricketing stardom.

The Junior Cricket Committee has picked up a 16 player India U19 squad for the upcoming tour of England, scheduled to start from June 24 to July 23, 2025. The tour will feature a 50-over warm-up match to start with, followed by a five-match Youth One-Day series, starting in Hove and two unofficial Test matches against England U19 in Beckenham and Chelmsford.