'Rather than worrying about individual landmark' - Harsha Bhogle applauds Ayush Mhatre for selfless cricket despite falling on 94

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) beat Chennai Super Kings by two runs in the IPL 2025 game on Saturday. Young batter Ayush Mhatre stole the show with his 94 runs from 48 balls, which included nine boundaries and five sixes. The 17-year-old was looking well set for a ton, only to be caught by Krunal Pandya off Lungi Ngidi’s bowling. 

Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle applauded his selfless knock while speaking in the post-match presentations. Bhogle, while praising the young batter, remarked, “Ayush Mhatre- loved the fact that he tried to hit a six when on 94 rather than worrying about his individual landmark.” The young batter had played well to score 94 and also added 114 runs for the third wicket with Ravindra Jadeja in 64 balls. 

Harsha Bhogle loves to cook Chokli.😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/roncXUwvSM

— 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 (@ImHydro45) May 4, 2025

Once Mhatre was out, in the very next ball, Dewald Brevis was given out in the most controversial circumstances. The batter went to take a review but was denied the chance and had to head back to the hut. It was seen that the batter was unlucky to be given out as the ball was missing the leg-stump. 

CSK coach praises young Ayush Mhatre

Former New Zealand skipper and current CSK coach Stephen Fleming has lavished his praise on young Ayush Mhatre. The 17-year-old was signed as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had injured himself during the game against Rajasthan Royals early in the season. 

Speaking to the media at the end of the game, Fleming said, “He's got talent. He's got hand-eye coordination. He's got a beautiful, silky swing. He's aggressive. Everything that we like about a modern-day T20 player. But, to me, it's the temperament and being able to execute in a trial and then on the big stage. That's what I'm most impressed with." 

Fleming said that both Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi could be a handful for many bowling attacks in the future. “It's extraordinary to watch that fearless approach. But you've got to have skills as well. And to have the skills that these young players have and to be able to execute them against some of the best bowlers in the world is quite remarkable. I worry a little bit about the Under-19 opposition. They'll come up against two pretty handy openers when a World Cup comes around. But it's amazing how much talent and how composed they are."