Ayush Mhatre reveals how Rohit Sharma’s advice helped him lead India to a record sixth U19 World Cup title in 2026Scroll down to read the full story.
Published: October 2, 2026, 3:57 PM IST
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Rohit Sharma’s advice helped Ayush Mhatre win U19 World Cup
India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre has spoken about the advice he got from former India captain Rohit Sharma after taking charge of the team.
Mhatre made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings in 2025He was later named India’s U19 captain for the 2026 U19 World CupMhatre and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played important roles as India won the tournament.
India beat England by 100 runs in the final to win the U19 World Cup for a record sixth timeMhatre’s leadership and batting were also important during India’s successful campaign.
Speaking to former India opener Aakash Chopra on his podcast, Ayush Mhatre said he first sent a message to Rohit Sharma after becoming the U19 captain.
Mhatre later met Rohit at his home and asked him for advice on how to lead the teamHe wanted to learn from Rohit’s experience and understand how to handle the responsibility of being a captain.
“After the IPL, I was named U-19 captainI had not much idea about itSo I texted Rohit bhaiHe had told me I could call or message him whenever I wanted to talk during the IPLHe called me thenI told him I wanted to meet and talkHe told me to come to his homeThen I sat and spoke a lot with him,” said Mhatre.
“He explained things to me very well and how to handle the team as a captain and all of thatHe took the time and spoke wellHe spoke for half an hour to my dad as wellHe is humble and always available to talk,” he added.
Ayush Mhatre is seen as one of India’s young cricket talents and is known for his attacking battingChennai Super Kings picked him in 2025, and he has since been part of the five-time IPL champions.
Mhatre also spoke about his first meeting with former India captain MS DhoniHe said he was a little nervous and did not feel confident about going up to Dhoni and talking to him.
“I saw Mahi bhai live for the first time and I actually got scaredEven now, it is there a bitHe talks freely, but he is a legendI wanted to get a picture with him but could not understand how to approach himIt was the last day of the trials, and then I just wentI got a picture with him thenI did not talk to him as suchIt was only the picture,” he said.
