Follow UsAfter 10 first-class games and an average of just 30.27, not many expected 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre to make it to the India ‘A’ squad anytime soon. However, the teenager was announced in the squad for the first unofficial Test against South Africa ‘A’, with the selectors opting to bank on his potential despite his numbers not quite backing up his talent.
Today in Bengaluru, Mhatre proved the selectors right and showed why he’s rated so highly as he sizzled with a quickfire 65 against South Africa ‘A’ in the first unofficial Test.
Opening the batting, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) youngster hit 10 boundaries as he slammed 65 off just 76 balls in what was his India ‘A’ debut. He stitched together a 90-run partnership with incumbent India Test star Sai Sudharsan before falling to off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen.
It was quite the showing from Mhatre, as Sudharsan at the other end was finding it difficult to score. The left-hander, at one point, was 16 off 58 balls while the teenager was flying with 65 off just 70 balls. His knock, though, came to an end before he could post a memorable debut ton.
This is just Mhatre’s 11th first-class game, but he already has shown promising signs, posting 2 tons. The teenager from Mumbai shot into the spotlight earlier this year when he made heads turn after being signed as a replacement player by CSK for IPL 2025, hammering 240 runs at an average of 34 and a strike rate of nearly 190.00.
Meanwhile, as far as this unofficial Test is concerned, India ‘A’ are being led by Rishabh Pant, who is playing his first competitive game since the England tour, after recovering from a foot fracture. Middle-order hopefuls Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal are also part of the batting line-up.