Ayush Mhatre Shines With Maiden Century In Ranji Trophy

In a crucial Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match, 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre made headlines with a remarkable maiden century for Mumbai against Maharashtra. Batting on a tricky surface where Maharashtra had collapsed for just 126, Mhatre rose to the challenge.

Despite early setbacks with Prithvi Shaw and Hardik Tamore falling cheaply, Mhatre took responsibility and played with maturity beyond his years. He formed key partnerships with Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer, scoring 176 off 232 balls, including 22 boundaries and four sixes. Reflecting on his innings, Mhatre shared how his confidence grew with each run, emphasizing his focus on playing according to the situation.

A Long Journey of Dedication

Mhatre’s journey to this moment was one of perseverance. Hailing from Virar, a distant Mumbai suburb, he travelled 80 kilometres daily to chase his cricketing dreams. Supported by his family, particularly his grandfather and uncle, Mhatre’s dedication paid off as he made his mark in just his third first-class game.

Interestingly, he wasn’t initially part of the squad but was called in after Musheer Khan’s unfortunate car accident. His inclusion proved to be a turning point for Mumbai, as his 176 played a vital role in putting the team in a strong position.

Shreyas Iyer Returns to Form

While Mhatre’s century was a standout, Shreyas Iyer also made an important contribution to Mumbai’s innings. After a rough patch in previous tournaments, including the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup, Iyer returned to form with a crucial century. His unbeaten 101, alongside Suryakumar Yadav, helped Mumbai reach 335/4 at lunch on Day 2, with a commanding lead of 209 runs.

The partnership between Mhatre and Iyer was instrumental in Mumbai’s dominance, giving the team a strong foothold in the match. Iyer’s century not only boosted his confidence but also reassured his place as a key player in the squad.

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