New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) Emerging Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Ayush Mhatre shared the invaluable mentorship he received from iconic captain MS Dhoni, revealing how the renowned player's insights significantly influenced his leadership style during his tenure as the captain of the India U-19 team.

Mhatre, who recently guided India to victory in the U-19 World Cup, reminisced about his conversations with Dhoni throughout the IPL 2025 season, deeming them crucial for his growth as a budding leader.

“Last year, I had the chance to play under Mahi bhai. At that time, I was the skipper of the India U-19 team. After the IPL, I reached out to him for captaincy advice since it was my debut as a captain. He reminded me to maintain composure on the field and to avoid making decisions in moments of anger. He advised, 'Frustration may arise due to the opposition’s partnerships, but if you remain calm during that brief period, take a deep breath, and let it pass, you will make better decisions,'” he stated in a video released by IPL on Tuesday.

The young player also expressed his excitement about fulfilling a long-held aspiration of representing one of the IPL’s most triumphant franchises, sharing the exhilarating experience of being in the same dressing room with players he had previously admired on screen.

“Playing for a prestigious franchise like CSK is a dream come true. Being on the same team as Mahi (M.S. Dhoni) bhai, Ruturaj, and (Shivam) Dube bhai is surreal. Until last year, I was watching them on TV, and now I'm sharing the dressing room with them. It's truly like a fantasy,” he said.

Even though he is relatively new to the team, Mhatre mentioned that he quickly felt at home within the CSK atmosphere, attributing this comfort to the familial culture of the team.

“I didn't feel like it was my first time here when I joined them last year. I felt welcomed; that's the vibe here. They operate like a family. I often share light moments with my teammates; while I may be shy in conversation, I feel comfortable around them,” he shared.

Addressing his role within the team, the young talent emphasized that adaptability and contributing to the team's success are his primary focuses, rather than adhering to a specific batting order.

“There isn’t a set role for me. They encouraged me to back myself and my game, just like last year, with no need for change. My aim is to watch the ball and play based on merit while contributing to the team’s success. I'm open to batting in any position that the team requires,” he clarified.

Mhatre also discussed the evolving dynamics of contemporary cricket, underlining how the accelerating pace of the game has shaped his batting strategy.

“I don’t necessarily intend to adopt an aggressive approach. The T20 format has transformed gameplay. Even in ODIs, aggressive cricket has taken center stage. The ability to produce strokes has seen substantial growth. It's not just the veterans; over the past few years, many young stroke-makers have emerged, which is encouraging. Receiving such an opportunity at this age is genuinely remarkable. Playing for a successful franchise like CSK is a significant achievement in itself. Therefore, I have no fear; I will continue to play as I always have,” he remarked.

CSK is set to face Kolkata Knight Riders at their home ground, the M A Chidambaram Stadium, on Tuesday.