
‘We have been very impressed with his skills’ – CSK coach Stephen Fleming praises Ayush Mhatre after 94 vs RCB (Source: IPL and Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
After the conclusion of Match 52 of the IPL 2025 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, CSK Head Coach Stephen Fleming heaped praise on youngster Ayush Mhatre. Notably, the 17-year-old opening batter delivered a sensational knock, scoring 94 runs off just 48 balls.
Fleming appeared thoroughly impressed by Mhatre’s approach and composure, highlighting what sets the teenager apart. He credited Mhatre’s aggressive style—essential in modern T20 cricket—as well as his overall batting technique. Apart from Mhatre’s talent, hand-eye coordination, bat swing, temperament, and aggression, Fleming was in delight with his range of shots and ability to execute them at the big stage.
“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 during the post-match interaction as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
“It’s one thing to have a lot of shots, but to be able to execute that game plan on a big stage in front of some of the biggest players in the world is what I admire,” he added further.
The former CSK batter felt it was hard to explain stuff about players at times, but claimed that Ayush Mhatre is a high-quality player. While he agreed that it was still an early phase in his career, the emerging batter has been impressive with his skill set right from the trials to the matches.
“It’s sometimes hard to explain, but there’s just a quality around what he was doing. It’s early days, but we have been very impressed with his skills right from when he trialled and was with us at the early part of the season,”
Fleming concluded.
Mhatre’s blistering 94 gave CSK hope before his dismissal
Ayush Mhatre was in sublime form against RCB, smashing 94 runs off just 48 balls, including 9 fours and 5 sixes. At one point, his fluent batting had tilted the match in CSK’s favour. However, his dismissal turned the tide, dealing a significant blow to CSK’s chances of clinching victory against a strong RCB side.