Fan Backlash as Seniors Struggle
Rohit Sharma’s disappointing outing with the bat against Jammu & Kashmir amplified criticism, with fans questioning the decision to drop Mhatre. The criticism extended to other returning stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, and skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who also failed to make significant contributions in the match.
It was Shardul Thakur, another experienced campaigner, who rescued Mumbai with a fighting century, ensuring a competitive total against J&K.
Ayush Mhatre’s Graceful Response
Despite the setback, Ayush Mhatre took to Instagram to express his admiration for Rohit Sharma, describing the experience as a dream come true:
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“From watching him weave magic with the bat on TV to standing beside my idol in the dressing room—it felt like a dream come true. A moment to cherish, filled with lessons to carry forward,” Mhatre expressed, sharing a memorable photo with Rohit.
This mature response earned the teenager further praise on social media, with many fans rallying behind him as one of Mumbai’s most promising talents.
Ayush Mhatre’s Stellar Form
Mhatre has been turning heads this season not just in red-ball cricket but also in white-ball formats. Since making his List A debut, he has amassed 458 runs at a phenomenal average of 65.42, showcasing his potential as a future star.
BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate
The BCCI’s new 10-point directive makes it mandatory for Indian players to participate in domestic cricket whenever available. This policy aims to bolster the quality of domestic competitions but has also led to the sidelining of emerging talents like Mhatre.
Interestingly, even Virat Kohli is slated to feature in the Ranji Trophy in Mumbai’s next match, further intensifying the competition for spots in the playing XI.
While the return of Indian stalwarts adds prestige and experience to the domestic circuit, balancing opportunities for rising stars like Ayush Mhatre remains a critical challenge for selectors. Fans will be eager to see how the teenager bounces back from this setback in the matches ahead.
