Rohit Sharma guided me on ctaincy at his home, says Ayush Mhatre

Cricknation Update: Rohit Sharma guided me on ctaincy at his home, says Ayush Mhatre (Photo Source: ICC) Ayush Mhatre was pointed ctain of India’s squad for the 2026 U19 World Cup, where he led the team to a record-extending sixth title.

India defeated England by 100 runs in the final, with opening batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing a crucial role in the victory. After getting the responsibility of ctaincy, Mhatre sought guidance from senior players to prepare himself to lead the team. Mhatre revealed in a podcast with former cricketer Aakash Chopra that he reached out to Rohit Sharma for advice following his U19 ctaincy pointment.

During the IPL, Rohit had told the young batsman that he could contact him anytime. When Mhatre texted Rohit after being named ctain, Rohit responded by calling him directly. Rohit invested considerable time discussing the nuances of ctaincy with Mhatre during their meeting at his residence.

The India ctain also spoke to Mhatre’s father and demonstrated his commitment to support the young leader. Mhatre expressed preciation for Rohit’s willingness to help despite his demanding schedule. “After the IPL, I was named U-19 ctain.

I had not much idea about it. So I texted Rohit bhai. He told me that whenever I want to talk during the IPL, I can call or message him.

He called me then. I told him I wanted to meet and talk. He told me to come to his home.

Then I sat and spoke a lot with him,” said Mhatre as quoted by NDTV Sports. “He explained things to me very well and how to handle the team as a ctain and all that. He took the time and spoke well.

He spoke for half an hour to my dad as well. He is polite and always available for conversation.” Mhatre’s progression in professional cricket Mhatre progressed in his professional cricket career following this mentorship, making his first-class debut for Chennai Super Kings in 2025.

The young batsman participated in 13 IPL matches and scored 441 runs with the highest individual score of 94. Recalling his first meeting with MS Dhoni, Mhatre revealed that he was initially hesitant to proach the great former India ctain. “I saw Mahi Bhai live for the first time and I was really scared.

Even now, it is there a bit. He talks freely, but he is a legend. I wanted to get a picture with him but could not understand how to proach him.

It was the last day of testing, and then I left. I got a picture with him then. I did not talk to him as such.

It was only the picture,” Mhatre said.